Only in its third non-consecutive year, Camden’s venue-hording rock music extravaganza is almost unrecognisable this time around. Taking place across a mammoth 19 stages in the North London alternative mecca, there’s over 150 guitar led British acts gracing the bill. Designed to showcase home-grown and young artists, Camden Rocks offers a platform to the bands and invites a hungry rock-friendly audience to take it all in.
There’s a whole host of genres on offer, all sharing their fondness for guitar led music. Headline venue, the illustrious Electric Ballroom, hosts some of the bigger names – from The Subways, through Blitz Kids to the Sonic Boom Six – yet all of the venues welcome some exciting talent, both up-and-coming and resident on the UK scene. With so many bands to choose from, here’s some of our favourites to guide you through the day.
12:00 Attention Thieves
Enterprise
If you’re looking for a loud awakening, Attention Thieves might just be the best part to start your day. Their melody driven rough-around-the-edges rock and energetic live performance is perfect to get the festival going.
14:00 Verses
Underworld
Having just released their debut album ‘Feel It Faster’, Camden Rocks sees Verses take to the stage following their stint at the recent Slam Dunk Festival. Offering songs that sound much bigger than their years, Verses add an unfiltered dynamic to the You Me At Six style pop-rock.
15:00 Straight Lines
Barfly
Last year Straight Lines treated the Camden Rocks audience to a relaxed, if not sweltering, stripped down acoustic performance. This year they are back with their full band, taking to the stage in the Barfly. With their new EP pushing the energy levels further, they are likely to prove to be one of the most accomplished bands of the day.
15:00 Boy Jumps Ship
Underworld
If you prefer your melody with a punk edge, Boy Jumps Ship are offering an alternative to Straight Lines over at the suitably dark Underworld. Still driven by a catchy tune, the band’s riffs and gang vocals add that little something extra.
17:00 Gnarwolves
Barfly
If Gnarwolves find themselves on the bill, we are almost always going to recommend you check them out. Their gritty British take on the resurgence of US skate-punk is matched by an energetic performance that largely outshines their stateside counterparts.
18:00 The Xcerts
Jazz Café
It’s been a while since The Xcerts have released any new material, and Camden Rocks tantalisingly offers the band the opportunity to showcase some of those new tracks (as they did at last month’s Hit The Deck Festival). With frontman Macleod’s vocals never failing to disappoint and the explosive musicianship to match, the Jazz Café won’t know what’s hit it.
18:00 Apologies, I Have None
Black Heart
It’s not the first time we’ve said this, but it won’t be long before Londoners Apologies, I Have None are playing venues twice the size of Camden Rock’s Black Heart. The band have already secured a slot on this year’s Main Stage at Reading and Leeds, and with a huge reception at Groezrock behind them, it’s certainly worth seeing them while you can. If that’s not enough, their most recent ‘Black Everything’ EP is destined to sound incredible live.
19:00 Turbogeist
Hawley Arms
It had been quite on the Turbogeist front for a while, until a couple of months back when they exploded back onto the scene with ‘Comatose’. Their extremely fast-paced rock and roll infused punk has turned many heads in the past, and Camden Rocks should prove no different.
20:30 Oxygen Thief
Camden Head
For something a little different, the Camden Head is playing host to Bristol based punk singer-songwriter, and sometime 3 piece, Oxygen Thief. Having just confirmed a tour with Frank Turner’s hardcore project Mongol Horde, it’s a great way to experience just how loud this man (or men) can get.
21:00 Zoax
Black Cap
Zoax are a live band worth seeing. With the spectacle of frontman Adam Carroll’s on and off-stage antics staying true to the schizophrenic riffs, screams and sideswiping melody, it’s one for all the senses.
22:00 God Damn
Black Heart
Heading up the bill at the trendy yet alternative Black Heart, God Damn combine rock and roll, grunge and punk, overlaying it with a bluesy swagger and amplifying it with dirty riffs – all the while emitting the sound from only a guitar and drums. God Damn have people talking, and Camden Rocks should prove why.
22:00 Colt 45
Enterprise
Colt 45 have featured on our pages a few times in recent years, however their recently unveiled new track has re-peaked our interest. The band are performing an acoustic set earlier in the day, however it’s the plugged in melodic punk-rock that should have people talking.
23:30 Crazy Arm Acoustic
Brew Dog
There’s two reasons to head to the Brew Dog bar to see Crazy Arm play their acoustic set at half 11 at night. The first is that Crazy Arm are awesome. The second? We can’t think of any better way to enjoy a band than with a unique Brew Dog beverage in our hands. See you at the bar!
To keep up to date with all things Camden Rocks over the day, follow @punktastic on Twitter and Instagram, and look out for #PTCamden. Let us know what you’re up to as well using the same hashtag.
BEN TIPPLE