La Route Du Rock - Previewed!

This coming weekend sees Artrocker.TV jump on a ferry and sail across the channel for the 21st edition of La Route Du Rock. Beginning in 1991 and taking place within the fortified walls of the seaside town of St. Malo in the North West of France, it has gained itself a fierce reputation for being one of Frances premiere music festivals.

Here are five acts on the bill Artrocker recommends seeing:

Mogwai

Since forming in 1995, Friday night post-rock headliners Mogwai have gained themselves a reputation for being both opinionated and outspoken. Because of this their largely instrumental, critically approved and dynamically driven back catalogue is sometimes overlooked; this is something of a small travesty.

Recommended songs: Hunted by a Freak, George Square Thatcher Death Party

Electrelane

This year saw the originally Brighton based quartet Electrelane return from their three year hiatus and embark on playing a series of festivals across Europe which included a performance at London’s Field Day at the weekend just gone – many will be looking forward to seeing this bi-lingual cult band launch into Krautrock styled grooves.

Recommended songs: On Parade, Gone Under Sea

The Kills

The Kills have always had their detractors who make out that this hardrocking duo of Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart are “more style than substance”. However, this year’s fourth album ‘Blood Pressures’ served as further evidence that there is much more to Saturday nights headliners then being mere tabloid gossip fodder.

Recommended songs: No Wow, Future Starts Slow

Cults

It was unsurprising that this New York duo were tipped by many at the start of the year to make a mark. Though some may be put off by the fact that this New York duo were signed by one Lily Allen to her ‘In the name of’ record label, but much like the appearance of Deftones on Madonna’s old Maverick label who you work doesn’t always show a sign of final results and Cults colourfully uplifting Sixties referencing indie-pop isn’t something that should be overlooked

Recommended songs: Go Outside, Never Saw The Point,

Cat’s Eyes

Side projects can go one of two ways, but thankfully The Horrors, Faris Badwan’s collaboration with opera singer Rachel Zeffira which spawned a self titled debut album has largely been given the thumbs up. Influenced by Sixties girl groups such as The Ronettes and the productions of producer Joe Mook, it marks a dramatic departure in style for the pair who earlier this summer performed together in the Vatican.

Recommended songs: Face In The Crowd, Sunshine Girls,

More information on La Route Du Rock can be found at:
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