Get yourself to these acts if you can...
The countdown to Electric Picnic is almost over and JOE, just like every single Irish music fan, can't wait to make the annual trip to Stradbally.
We will be there with our wellies on as we bring you all the latest news from one of Ireland's best music events. Once again the array of Irish talent at this years festival is fantastic and two of our writers,
Paul Moore and
Joe Harrington, had the unenviable task of choosing some of their favourite Irish acts playing.
Le Galaxie DJs present Laser Disco
Broad statement alert but in my opinion Le Galaxie could very well be the finest live Irish band of the modern era. Their shows are a sonic mix of infectious energy, amazing beats and pure unadulterated fun. Electric Picnic is almost like a second home to the lads at this stage and it looks like concert goers are set for something special at Stradbally. We've been promised lasers, drums, beats and an insane playlist. Don't miss it.
Sleep Thieves
The Dublin trio's debut album 'You Want the Night' is one of the best Irish albums of the year and their dark hypnotic electro sound is mesmeric but unbelievably catchy at the same time. Sorcha Brennan's ethereal voice is haunting and the fact that they have been booked for two performances is testament to their talents. Sleep Thieves will definitely keep you awake.
Shit Robot
'We Got a Love' for this year's Electric Picnic because it will see James Murphy's DFA label launch a mini electro coup d'etat with the likes of Hercules and Love Affair, The 2 Bears and the former LCD Soundsystem frontman himself all playing. We're very excited to see Dublin DJ Marcus Lambkin AKA Shit Robot take us from the cradle to the rave.
Girl Band
The chances are that you will be hearing a lot about Girl Band in the coming years. Having seen them play before I think that Electric Picnic goers will absolutely love their noise-rock which has thunderous feedback belting through the amps while their guitars are so loud that the trees may shake.
Raglans
The Strypes may be getting all the media focus right now but fellow blues rockers Raglans have been slowly building up an impressive reputation as a live band. Their debut album 'Natives' is a brilliant blend of folksy blues rock and the Dubliners have looked at home when opening for the likes of The Libertines, Courteeners and Haim. Electric Picnic is the perfect place to see them for the first time or 10th time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYTxrVhDxQ0
Clip via - Raglans band
HamsandwicH
Niamh Farrell and Podge McNamee make any festival better with their delicious mix of upbeat indie pop and catchy tunes. Having seen them before live, most recently opening for the Arcade Fire, their impressive back catalogue of songs has that unique ability to please both hardcore fans and curious newbies alike.
Hozier
Arguably the Irish act that most festival fans are most excited to see especially after his extremely strong set at Longitude. The world has fallen in love with the Wicklow singer and we're certain that Electric Picnic revellers will even more after seeing him.
The Academic
The four-piece from Mullingar are the best musical act to come out of the town since Joe Dolan and their debut performance at Stradbally should me a must see for fans of infectious indie-rock-pop.
Maud in Cahoots
What do you get when you combine a violin, cello, tuba, piano and one of the most soulful and sultry voices in Ireland? The answer is one of the best unsigned Irish bands that are set to take off in a big way.
The Eskies
Easily Ireland's best 5-piece gentlemen's club who play gypsy-folk-noir with occasional brass and wind sections. Yes, they are that good. Go see them and become an instant fan.
