Offset Festival

ClashMusic rounds up the bands to look out for...

Bridging the gap between new bands and their influences, Offset Festival is set to take Hainault Forest by storm on 5th and 6th September.

For those of you who missed our recent headline announcements, let me refresh…a half an hour tube ride out of east London, Offset is situated in leafy surrounds that serves as a neat escape from the frustrating trappings of most of inner-city fests. And how can you possibly resist squeezing in one more festival before the season slams its doors firmly shut?

Now in its second year, Offset offers a line-up unparalleled in its vision – for savvy souls seeking relief from the mainstream festival circuit. For one weekend only, over 150 artists, including A Certain Ratio, The Slits, Damo Suzuki, and The Horrors will perform.

Clash is delighted to take its place among the angular haircuts and tight trousers and, on Sunday 6th, the Clash Live stage will be playing host to a handpicked selection of our favourite bands.

What’s more, we’ve teamed up with Cushe Footwear, who are bringing something extra special to our stage. Transport yourself to our Cushe profile to learn more…

To celebrate, we’re dishing out two pairs of VIP tickets. For details on how to enter, click HERE!

The line-up for the Clash Live stage is a veritable who’s who of 2009’s most exciting music, here’s our rundown on the bands you’ll see on the day:

Wild Beasts
Having caused a flurry of excitement this summer with the release of their second album ‘Two Dancers,’ the eccentric Cumbrian quartet bring their surging melodies to Offset.

The xx:
The moody Londoners have quietly caused waves of excitement this summer with the release of their self-titled debut album of minimal r’n’b tinged melodies.

Maps:
Bedroom electro wizard James Chapman whetted our appetite for his forthcoming album ‘Turning The Mind’ with the download-only release of ‘Let Go Of The Fear’ earlier this summer.

Ipso Facto:
The Horrors’ favourite girl band venture out of the studio to treat fans to what is sure to be an exciting onslaught of their punky pop.

Tubelord:
One of the year’s biggest buzz bands, the math-pop trio bring their noisy soundscapes for Offset’s delectation. One to watch.

Gold Panda:
We are proud to present a rare London performance of laid-back electro from one of this year’s most exciting producers, look out for airings of superb Little Boots and SMD remixes.

Sian Alice Group:
Look forward to a pulsating set from the genre-bending group of unfeasibly talented musicians, all underpinned by Sian’s mesmeric vocal.

Shrag:
Expect a sultry, groove-laden performance from the scuzzy Brighton outfit.

She Keeps Bees:
Fresh from Green Man Festival, the acclaimed bluesy stomp of She Keeps Bees is not to be missed.

Sunderbans:
Last, but by no means least, Sunderbans the gospel flecked folk-punk of this London trio is sure to excite the Offset masses. No video in sight, but be sure to befriend them.
Sunderbands MySpace link!

Offset Festival takes place over the weekend of 5th-6th September, with the Clash Live stage kicking off on the 6th. Tickets are priced as follows:
Weekend camping- £55
Weekend without camping- £45
Individual day tickets £27.99.
For more information, and to purchase tickets head to:
http://offsetfestival.co.uk/

Words by Ben Homewood
http://www.cushe.com/

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