10 acts not to miss at Liverpool Sound City

Words: Ellie Ward

Liverpool's Sound City celebrate their 10th birthday with a move to the larger waterfront location of Clarence Dock for the two-day festival which takes place between May 25 - 28.

If you still haven't got around to working out just who to see, we suggest making for some of the up-and-coming bands that are likely to be headlining themselves before long.

In no particular order, here are 10 acts to be in the front row for.


SHRINKING MINDS
Home territory gig for these guys. The garage punk three-piece are a favourite of DJ Annie Mac and it's easy to see why. Formed in January 2014, they have been garnering a credible reputation within the local Merseyside scene as one of the most raucous and exciting new bands. Frenetic, scratchy guitars, catchy beats and vocal punk sneers.




THE SHERLOCKS
Their trademark anthemic guitars, bold drums and catchy choruses have done much to propel this Sheffield alt-indie band forward. Catch them now, as with their debut album out in August, it's likely they'll be reaching Blossoms status before too long.




COQUIN MIGALE
Newcastle's finest drive relentless guitar riffs, punchy bass in a surprisingly melodic grunge/indie coating, with the lightness of Alex Soper's vocals balanced against the onslaught.




YAK
Always a band worth seeing. The alt-rock trio fill out their scuzzy riff deluged set with grinding riffs and crashing percussion, and usually at least one stage dive from frontman Oli Burslem.




PAVES
London four-piece rockers juxtapose dreamy guitars with a rock 'n' roll dynamic that commands the stage.




PROLETARIAT
Fast and furious rock 'n' roll riffs from this Manchester band who recently released debut single 'Mr Brown'. Blistering punk guitar riffs that augment the sharp grungy vocals that could have come straight from the 70s, mixed with a dose of Noughties' Slaves.




JUDAS
London alt-rockers Judas hit the sound decks running with plenty of punchy power pop, flawless guitars and John Clancy's front presence.




TOUTS
Released their debut single 'Sold Out' last month on Phil (Radio 1) Taggart's label Hometown Records. Rage-infused guitars and furious drumming by three young (16 - 19) teens from Derry, Northern Ireland. Says Taggart: "They are one of the most insanely amazing live bands I've ever seen at such a young age. I caught them, by accident, over a year ago in a dingy cellar playing and signed them up on the spot."




PALE WAVES
Fronted by Heather Baron-Gracie, the Manchester four-piece released their Matt Healy and George Daniel from The 1975 produced debut single 'There's A Honey' last month. Indie pop richness.




VIOLET YOUTH
Blackburn-based four-piece exude 'dark melancholic ambience' that has seen them compared to The Smiths. Debut single 'Lucid Dreams' released this year, followed by 'Reliable Sources'.



For Liverpool Sound City tickets and further information, head here.