PREVIEW: Liverpool Sound City

Its been 10 years since Sound City first appeared on the musical event’s map, but only recently has it firmly cemented itself as one of the best inner city festivals in the country. Taking place at the Clarence Dock in Liverpool’s old industrial heart and lungs, this year’s line up looks to be the best one yet.

Kicking off proper on Saturday 27th May, there are a wealth of unique acts to enjoy in the Mersey sunshine, with the likes of Peaches, The Magic Gang and Touts set to play the Baltic Stage. Also entertaining will be the equally talented and fresh Pumarosa, with live renditions of “Dragonfly” and “Honey” set to mesmerize and paralyse anyone in attendance.

If you’re looking for something with abit more scuzz and stain ridden denim, we recommend venturing to the Pirate Stage to witness Midlands trio YAK. Their 2016 debut album, ‘Alas Salvation’, continues to melt listener’s ears off at every single show and the Sound City punters are certainly in for a treat via their raucous blend of neo-rock n roll and mild-moderate musical violence.

Calming it all down on the Atlantic Stage will be the subtle yet experienced Metronomy, with their 2011 hit “The Bay” sure to be a relevant and reverent moment of the festival. Also gracing the main stage will be The Kills, Slaves and our pick, Fickle Friends, who’s blend of outrageously pompous, CHVRCH-like pop and moody indie underbelly will be a perfect accompaniment to the picturesque setting of the docks in Summer flow.

Sunday plays host to an ever wider range of healthy and seasoned names in British music including the fantastic White Lies and the always on point Cribs, with their lively and upbeat set at the festival two years ago proving a memorable experience for all those involved. The recent return of Sheffield cult favourites Milburn is also a huge bonus for this year’s line up, with many fans of the 2000s indie explosion looking forward to songs like “Well Well Well” and “What You Could’ve Won” once again being revisited and revitalised

Alongside old favourites are a number of new bands such as The Amazons and The Sherlocks, who’ve recently been making waves in the scene via successful headline tours and TV appearances respectively. Despite not being as new, Manchester sons Cabbage are also present at this year’s festival and if you’re a fan of anything abrasive, raw yet dripping in catchy hooks and relatable lyrics of modern day strife, then their scheduled performance on the Atlantic Stage is an absolute must to truly complete your Sound City 2017 weekend.

The responsibility of headlining the Sunday has been given to the Kooks, who are sure to keep the party going well after the sun has dissipated with a set full of classics such as “She Moves in Her Own Way” and “Ooh La”. Coinciding with the release of their best of album, the Brighton foursome have starting touring again and the docks on Sunday is sure to become a mass sing a long session, which is exactly what you need a summer festival.

Loads of local talent will also be on display with the likes of Paris Youth Foundation, The Vryll Society and winners of the 2017 GIT Award, She Drew The Gun set to play on what is proving to become a hectic and stacked last day of musical activities. The Cavern Stage is usually the place to catch all the local acts but like previous years, much smaller sections of the site will be dedicated to local singer songwriters, poets and performance artists so it’s not just the music which makes Sound City an enjoyable experience. Tim Peak’s diner in particular this year offers some more intriguing and enlightening conversations in the form of legendary music manager Danny Fields, and the one and only John Cale.

Despite the main weekend not hosting extra performances from Cale and The Human League, which feature a whole host of big names and crowd favourites in support such as The Art of Noise, Clinic, Fat White Family and the Floormen, the Saturday and Sunday still offer two excellent days of great music and entertainment. You’d be hard pressed to find many better events, particularly in the Northwest, on the 27th and 28th of May and once again the organisers of Sound City have offered a diverse and colourful line up, keeping the brand name fresh and the festival’s setting even more enjoyable.