Melting Vinyl: Bringing the cream of live music to Brighton.

So Brighton, it’s that time of year again! The Great Escape has exploded all over our fair city and with over 350 bands playing in the 30+ venues there are, we’re sure in for a good weekend! If you’re a Great Escape first timer – don’t panic. Our friends from Brighton Noise have written out a guide on how you can get the most out of your weekend, which you can read here. Remember it’s a new music festival. If you’re fed up of queueing for 2 hours for the next hype band – you’re not missing out. Go find something brand new (that’s our favourite bit!)

So if you’re stuck, our lovely helpful friendly Melting Vinyl Team have put together our top tips of bands and things to check out this weekend.

Anna, director of the company is looking forward to seeing MV favourite Luke Sital Singh at Komedia. Great songwriter, great live, all round a great chap. Fear Of Men, another big MV favourite, girl pop in the best way. The Strypes at Pavilion Theatre, not only are they on Elton John’s management, they’re young teenagers with a mature blues sound. And finally, Bear’s Den at The Unitarian Church, mellow acoustic rock for fans of those Mumford & Sons.

Richard who looks after our accounts and gets our tickets out recommends Billy Bragg, British icon famous for his politically aware songs, Concrete Knives is a personal favourite of Richards but you don’t want to miss this early naughties New York music scene esque music. Mazes an underground trio chill out rock piece which is the missing link between grunge and Britpop. The Physics House Band are MV favourites with an experiemental fusion math rock at it’s fastest and most intriguing. Finally The Wytches are Brighton’s experimental psych-rock with dark Horrors-esque songs.

Emma who deals with all our marketing and press is looking forward to seeing Archipel – For those who love their French, acoustic, synth mixes, electronic folk stuff like Emma, this is a must see. Melody’s Echo Chamber was recommended by our friends at Brighton Noise and it’s right up our street. With musical layers with atmospheric indie pop, we love this. The Penelopes are a dance rock band who formed over their love of New Order. Is Tropical another fave, lots of hype this year with pop-y infectious songs. Anyone who has a delegate pass for the festival must go see Dan Le Sac on Saturday on a panel on ‘What Would You Change About The Brit Awards’ which, with Dan on the panel, will be hugely entertaining.

Will our programmer is excited to see Thumpers at Komedia, who bring their layered androgynous vocals with muscular drums. Multi instrumentalist Marques Toliver at St Bart’s Church, The Dancers who if you haven’t heard are unmissable live performers with infectious indie pop. To spark your musical curiosity, Teleman has a sonorous brew of guitar, drum and synths with a craft exquisite of pop songs, and the fantastic Leeds alt-rock 3 piece Dinosaur Pile Up.

Flavia who reps our shows recommends Lord Huron – an indie folk band based in Los Angeles. There music is similarity would be Fleet Foxes meets Family Of The Year. Snakadaktal have the strangest band name but are from Australia, fronted by female lead vocalist Phoebe. Indie music with Phoebe’s beautiful echoed vocals. Tom Odell is an old friend of Flavia’s from uni, but apart from that is an amazing live act to watch! Marika Hackman is a folky singer/ songwriter. Mixed between Laura Marling, Daughter, Lucy Rose and Laura Veirs.

Ollie who helps run our shows at St George’s Church wants to urge you to see The Hungry Kids Of Hungary, indie tunes with a healthy dose of 60s pop. Only Real for psychedelic hazy pop with lovely soulful vocals. Irish band Little Green Cars alternative dramatic rock-folk are hotly tipped this year, too. And the fantastic Unknown Mortal Orchestra who give a modern twist to the songs of the sixties which we all love.

All info, lineup, anything else you’ll ever need you can find on The Great Escape website. If anyone’s around at the festival and wants to say hello, tweet us at @MeltingVinyl for a friendly chat.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!