Twisterella is one of those special festivals which forms an essential part of the music lovers’ annual calendar. And for bands it’s become one of the most exciting bookings in the UK. A multi-venue, urban one-dayer across Middlesbrough, North-East England, Twisterella is the epitome of an independent, taste-making, trend-spotting event. In CLASH’s own words, “a vital showcase for new music”.
Since 2014, the fest has played host to names like Sam Fender, The Mysterines, Pip Blom, Swim School, Sick Joy … and countless more. There will be around 40 acts to choose from this year, with something for everyone, but here is CLASH’s pick of 10 bands or artists to look out for at the 10th edition of Twisterella…
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Amelia Coburn
Amelia’s folk-oriented presence on the line-up illustrates the Twisterella curators’ boldness, flexibility and focus on great music. Back at the festival for the first time since 2017, this will be a great chance to hear Amelia play some of her songs from ‘Between the Moon and the Milkman’, an album which came out in March this year. Look out for the chiming, haunting ballad ‘When the Tide Rolls In’.
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Chalk
A still fresh band who will more than satisfy the demand for powerful, angsty post-punk (FFO IDLES, SPRINTS, The Murder Capital) Flying in from Belfast, Chalk will bring noise and guitars, and much more too: their music is known for exciting experimentation. No vanilla here. Check out the menacing, driving sound of ‘Static’ for a taste. The band are signed to the same label (Nice Swan) as English Teacher and SPRINTS, which says a lot, too.
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Fiona-Lee
There’s been loads of buzz around this artist recently, with her two releases rightly appearing on many a playlist. Both ‘Mother’ and ‘Nothing Compares To Nineteen’ are brave, exposing songs with different themes but a unifying approach. With a packed summer festival season now behind her, expect a riveting set from the London-based singer-songwriter.
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The Howl & The Hum
Twisterella stalwarts (2018, 2021) although now in a different guise after Sam Griffiths dissolved the band last year, TH&TH will doubtless be riding high following the release of new album ‘Same Mistake Twice’. This is a great chance to hear the translation of that album on the stage, as well as older tunes, too. Expect full immersion from Sam, with plenty of dodgy dance moves and emotions cranked up to 11.
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Loren Heat
This dark pop purveyor from Middlesbrough won’t have far to travel to perform their set but will transport listeners into spatial realms. Boasting tight and densely-layered production and songs which sizzle with tempered energy, Loren Heat puts the icing on the cake with mellifluous vocals and a careful, direct kind of lyricism. Definitely one to watch and a very exciting addition to the line-up.
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Low Girl
With several years of releases behind them, Low Girl are cementing their alt-pop reputation gathering support from some big radio names and gathering ranks of loyal fans. Perhaps it’s the fact that they’re poppy enough to gather wide appeal, but special enough to stand out – combined with a knack for crafting really catchy songs which emerge from dusky textures.
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Martha
Perhaps the only established, original rock band from the incredibly-named village of Pity Me in North-East England, Martha specialise in harmonies and up-tempo rock anchored with classic guitar solos. There’s an irresistible energy to four-piece, and a solid confidence which comes from the experience they’ve gained since releasing their debut album 10 years ago. They’ve put on three more since then, so expect a jam-packed set as they step up to co-headline the day.
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Pet Snake
Solo indie/grunge/folk/pop from Evelyn Hall (of Clean Cut Kid), who paradoxically delivers crystal clear yet hazy vocals and the kind of achingly sad vibes that will somehow evoke a strange joy you never knew you could feel. Her songwriting cuts to right to the bone, telling relatable stories with honest realism.
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Plasticine
Bringing 90s grunge back, mixing it with noughties shoegaze and 2020s punch and polish, Plasticine put on a cracking live show, with Summer fronting the group with a careless yet knowing energy and tough yet smoky vocals. They formed in 2022 and have built a solid repertoire since then, with their releases tracing a strong, consistent arc.
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Sunflower Thieves
There’s an intense and irresistible warmth to the music these childhood friends write. They’re honest, too, which is part of the reason why they’ve gathered so much high-profile support (CLASH included) since their debut EP in 2022. The keep-it-real approach to songwriting of this “Leeds-based alt-indie sisterhood” really shines through, and alongside the mood-capturing lyrics are myriad unique music and production touches. A very exciting band!
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This year’s Twisterella takes place in Middlesbrough on October 12th. Tickets are still available.
Words: Phil Taylor
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