One of our absolute favourite festivals on the whole circuit is not far away and this year Camden Rocks have once again delivered a superbly diverse line up of gargantuan size. As ever, we will be providing a full in depth review of the day, but first, who are our picks? We’ve scanned across the entire line up and picked out ten of our absolute must-see acts. 200+ Bands, 20 Venues and all for 35 Quid? Find a better festival with better value - you simply can't.
Heck - (The Underworld, 17:15pm & The Monarch, 20:15pm)
A lot has been said about this band’s live show over the years. Look at the word “chaos” in the thesaurus - every single synonym put together is how you describe a Heck live show. With the release of the brilliant Instructions earlier this year, the band are riding a wave higher than ever before so you can expect this to be one of the shows of the day. Well one of them. That’s right, the band are playing TWO sets. Two times the madness, two times the fun. Hold on to your drinks and watch your head, Heck are poised and ready for the next onslaught.
Sikth - (The Underworld, 21:15pm)
Ever since Sikth reunited a few years ago their popularity has reached new heights. A band very much before their time when they broke through, this second wave of Sikth has allowed them to reach a whole new audience and in turn increase their dedicated following. Live they’re an absolute powerhouse, spearheading a style which so many younger bands are following today - do not underestimate the kind of influence they’ve had on some of the heavier acts at Camden Rocks this year.
Creeper - (Barfly Upstairs, 17:45pm)
What a year this has been for Creeper. From relatively unknown to one of the most exciting British bands in Heavy Music, and we’re only at June. It’s also important to note that this is all before they’ve even released their first full length debut album. A lot of this reputation has been built on their huge live shows, which they’re growing in to with every single performance. They were touted as band of the weekend for their three shows across Slam Dunk weekend so don’t be surprised if they blow everyone else out of the water at Camden Rocks as well.
Norma Jean - (Barfly Upstairs, 21:30pm)
It’s been a while since we’ve had any new Norma Jean material, and the last few years have been full of ups and downs, but as a live unit this band are absolutely up there with some of the best. This is a band who have shared the stage with the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan and Thy Art Is Murder and been on par. They’re headlining the Barfly on the day and without any doubt it’s going to be complete bedlam. You’ll need to get there early for this one, it will be packed out.
The Hell - (Black Heart, 19:00pm)
Ahem.... It’s the motherfuckin’ HELL, YOU DICK. That’s reason enough. Don’t be a dick, go and see them.
Ginger Wildheart - (The Cuban, 15:00pm & The Forge, 17:00pm & Proud, 19:45pm)
Would it be Camden Rocks without Ginger Wildheart? Nope. The legend will once again be gracing the stage in 2016 and three bloody times as well!! Ginger’s truly one of the most underrated songwriters, and when he hits the stage on Saturday afternoon you can expect a couple of sets packed with classics and rare gems. History dictates that Ginger’s shows at Camden Rocks are extremely popular - get there early, whichever one you choose.
Palm Reader - (Bloc Bar, 20:00pm)
Palm Reader have been one of the most exciting bands on the Hardcore scene for years now, and it really does beg the question as to why/how they’re not a whole lot bigger. They’re great on record, but live they take on a whole new level of intensity. Vocalist Josh McKeown prowls the stage staring everyone out like they’d just skipped in front of him at the bar - just don't. There are a fair few Hardcore acts on the Camden Rocks line up this year, but make sure you do not miss these lot.
Press To Meco - (Bloc Bar, 21:15pm)
Another exciting young British band, Press To Meco are also beginning to make some real strides lately, especially following that huge Scuzz Tour earlier this year. They blend together various different styles and influences from Post-Hardcore to the Proggier side of Metal, truly developing both a unique and interesting sound. The band are headlining this particular stage, and it’ll be more than worth checking them out in such a small venue, especially considering the fact they have bigger things destined for them in the near future.
Counting Days - (Barfly Upstairs, 13:45pm)
Considering this band shaped from former members of TRC, Heights, Architects and more there’s no surprise that they’re making a serious impact within Hardcore at the moment. The band are still relatively new, with the impressive debut album Liberated Sounds coming out in the latter stages of last year, but they’ve started to build a real cult following. Considering how good this band are live, it is more than worth making sure you hit the festival early to catch that 13:45pm set time. Beat downs galore!
Glen Matlock - (The Forge, 21:15pm)
Set to be yet another legendary set in Camden Rocks folklore, one of the original Sex Pistols is all set for The Forge on Saturday night and has promised to bring a set full of solo material alongside classic Pistol’s material. There’s no doubt that Matlock’s show will create a brilliant atmosphere with people clamouring to catch one of the original Sex Pistols in such a small venue. Up the punks!
So there we have our top ten picks from the line up this year. Remember, it's a line up made up of 200+ acts so part of the real joy of Camden Rocks year on year is simply discovering one of your new favourite bands. Have an hour to kill before you want to see the next act? Don't linger about outside the the Market or station - get in a venue and find something new! We're looking forward to bringing you our in depth review in the aftermath of the festival next week!