This August will once again see Manchester City Centre transform into a whirlwind of excitement and energy for Manchester Psych Fest. The third wave of tickets have just been released, so we thought it was a good time to go through our top picks for the day festival.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a psychedelic wonderland as Manchester City Centre comes alive with Manchester Psych Fest on Saturday, August 31st, 2024. Anticipation is at an all-time high, and we're here to guide you.
This year's lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a diverse array of artists who are set to push the boundaries of musical exploration.
Our Picks:
TEMPLES - MMU Union - 22:00-23:15
Temples, a British psychedelic rock band from Kettering, have firmly established themselves in the neo-psychedelic music scene since their formation in 2012 by James Bagshaw and Tom Walmsley. Drawing inspiration from the rich textures of 60s psychedelia and glam rock, their music is known for its lush, reverb-heavy production, swirling guitars, and melodic hooks. They gained widespread acclaim with hits like "Shelter Song", & "Certainty", and their albums Sun Structures and Volcano are celebrated for their intricate, layered soundscapes. Temples will actually be playing Sun Structures at this years MPF, for a 10th Anniversary celebration.
GOAT GIRL - Albert Hall - 18:30-19:30
Get ready to groove to Goat Girl at Manchester Psych Fest 2024. With their infectious blend of indie rock and post-punk, this London-based quartet is sure to captivate audiences with tracks like "The Crack" and "Sad Cowboy". Their raw energy and compelling lyrics make them a must-see act at the festival.
MDOU MOCTAR - O2 Ritz - 18:30-19:15
Wait until you are transported to the deserts of Niger with the brilliant sounds of Mdou Moctar, a master of Tuareg guitar music. Mdou Moctar and his band have an increbile stage presence, and we have been so excited to see them for some time. Songs like "Afrique Victime" and "Tala Tannam", are guaranteed to leave you spellbound, as we jump into the musical traditions of the Saharan region.
WAX HEAD - Deaf Institute - 18:30 -19:15
Spilling out of Manchester Wax Head is one we have been watching these past few months leading up to Manchester Psych Fest. This drummer-fronted punk quartet has quickly made a name for themselves, they’ve supported notable US psych and garage bands like Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Flatworms, and Meatbodies. Their DIY ethos embodies the spirit of Manchester’s alternative music culture and we cannot wait to grab them for a quick interview this Saturday as we hail them as one of the most exciting young bands reshaping the city’s live music landscape. Listen to their 2024 drop "Back Hand" or "Jaws Wired Shut" to get an idea of what to expect.
ALTIN GUN - Albert Hall - 20:15 - 21-15
Altın Gün hypnotises their audience with a fantastic blend of dream pop, folk, and psychedelia. An Anatolian rock group from Amsterdam, I hear you say? They have made a significant impact within the scene. If you like the sounds of Khurangbin then you will adore these guys. Drawing heavily on the influences of 60s folk and psychedelia while adding a modern, fresh twist the band crafts deeply engaging and emotionally resonant music. A must.
BAXTER DURY - O2 Ritz - 21:45-22:45
Stepping into the world of Baxter Dury, where wry wit meets infectious beats. With his distinctive vocals and irresistible melodies, Baxter Dury has carved out a unique niche in the music scene. Tracks like "Miami" and "Claire" showcase his talent for storytelling and his knack for crafting catchy hooks that will have you dancing all night long.
GEORGIAN - O2 Ritz Basement - 14:00-14:30
Georgian, a rising band in the Manchester music scene, transports listeners to old spaghetti Westerns as front woman Georgia McKiernan weaves stories with her voice and lyrics. Their track "Big Lips in Leather" is hauntingly rich and instantaneously got us hooked. We are super excited to see what they bring to Manchester Psych Fest on Saturday. With more singles on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get ahead of everyone as Georgian (we have a feeling) will be big. listen below 👇
HELLO MARY - YES Basement - 20:45-21:30
An indie rock trio from New York City, originally formed by guitarist/vocalist Helena Straight and drummer Mikaela Oppenheimer, later joined by bassist Olivia Cirisan. Hello Mary has quickly risen in the indie scene with their gritty blend of 90s grunge, garage rock, and modern indie influences. Drawing comparisons to bands like Hole and Sonic Youth, the band's sound is defined by raw, dynamic performances, powerful vocals, and driving guitar riffs. They will be on tour with American Football this Autumn in the UK, who we also LOVE! Their recent drop is a must to listen as we eagerly await a countdown to the release of their full Album "Emita ox" on the 13th September - listen here for their recent drop.
THE HORRORS - O2 Ritz - 00:00 - 01:15
Prepare for The Horrors. Known for their dark, brooding soundscapes and electrifying live performances, this British band is sure to leave a lasting impression at Manchester Psych Fest. With tracks like "Still Life" and "Sea Within a Sea", The Horrors will take you on a journey through the depths of the psychedelic abyss.
PIGS X7 - Projeks Skate Park - 21:45 - 23:00
Pigs x7 are no strangers to blowing audiences away, as we experienced firsthand at Arctangent festival. With their ferocious blend of noise rock and post-punk, this Nottingham-based band delivers a visceral live experience that demands to be seen. Tracks like "Reducer" and "A66" showcase their relentless energy and uncompromising attitude, making them a highlight of any festival lineup.
WHITE FLOWERS - Gorilla - 15:30-16:15
Be enchanted by the dreamy sounds of White Flowers. With their ethereal melodies and shimmering guitars, this duo creates a captivating atmosphere that's perfect for getting lost in. Tracks like "Portra" and "Night Drive" evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, drawing listeners into their haunting world of sound. Seen them so many times and we are shocked that they are not more known, we love their stage presence but mostly their music, so please go check them out!
WILLIE J HEALEY - Albert Hall - 15:15 - 16:00
Ready for some feel-good vibes with Willie J Healey? With his laid-back charm and tasty melodies, Willie J Healey is sure to put a smile on your face and a sway in your step. Tracks like "True Stereo" and "Songs for Joanna" showcase his talent for crafting catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics that will have you singing along in no time. We have been told a few times we will love him, so we will deffo be at the front!
MUI ZYU - YES Basement - 14:45 - 15:15
Crashing down with Mui Zyu, where experimental pop meets avant-garde sensibilities. With her unique blend of electronic beats and haunting vocals, Mui Zyu creates an interesting musical landscape that's unlike anything you've ever heard before. Tracks like "The Mould" and "Forget" showcase her talent for pushing the boundaries of genre and sound. If you want experimental sugar coated sounds, then this is the place to be on Saturday.
HOLLY MACVE - Deaf Institute - 17:00 - 17:45
The voice of Holly Macve lingers in our minds. With her dulcet melodies and evocative lyrics, Holly Macve creates a ethereal atmosphere that's impossible to resist. Tracks like "Golden Eagle" and "Time Is Forever" showcase her talent for storytelling and her ability to transport listeners to another world. We fell in love instantly as should you.
Alongside the incredible lineup, attendees can indulge in a smorgasbord of delights, from food and drinks to Film Screening, Secret Sets and art installations: there is something for everyone.
EXTRA
As part of the partnership, festival wristband holders will get a spicy 20% off food and drink all weekend (Friday-Sunday) at Bundobust’s Oxford Road and Piccadilly restaurants. That means your whole group can head for pre-gig beers and lunch at Bundobust Brewery, pop-in throughout the day for a cocktail or two, or head down later on in the evening for some food to keep you going before your train or the late night sets.
On top of that, Bundobust’s Oxford Road location will host secret intimate live sets from names on the 2024 bill, plus DJs going until 1am, representing another place-to-be at this year’s festival. We have seen it and it's looking good guys!!
Bundobust will also launch a pop-up food stall at Psych Fest’s very first outdoor stage ‘CYCO VISION’ at Projects Skatepark, so attendees have no need to worry about going hungry, serving up chai, slushys and their famous Bundo Chaat alongside other favourite menu dishes like the Vada Pav.
Early bird tickets - sold out.
Last few tickets at £60+ fees via manchesterpsychfest.com.
So, mark your calendars 31st August, and get ready to jump on the magic bus through the psychedelic abyss. Manchester Psych Fest 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, where music, art, and culture collide in the heart of the city. Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime.
As always, see you at the front!
ACID RAIN
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