Stereoboard Recommendations For The Reading And Leeds Festival Line-Up 2012
Monday, 20 August 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
Year in and year out, Reading and Leeds Festivals signify the end of festival season, the end of summer and the jolt back to reality for many students. As each year brings in big names for thousands to enjoy, 2012 has proven no different with the likes of The Cure, Florence and the Machine, Foo Fighters, Paramore and Kasabian all sitting neatly at the top of the bill.
But a festival is not built solely on its headliners, so here are a few bands dotted around the line-up that, should you be lucky enough to attend, we recommend you take time out to see.
1. The Gaslight Anthem. They're not a particularly small band, but shy of their October tour, this is a perfect opportunity to see them. Following the release of their stunning new album 'Handwritten', The Gaslight Anthem peaked at #2 in the album charts and have started winning over new fans in their droves, a feat that is well overdue. Their album is one of the best of the year without a doubt, so if you can catch them live, it's an opportunity you shouldn't miss.
2. We Are Augustines. There's something simply refreshing in honest music, and there's little more honest than We Are Augustines' 'Rise Ye Sunken Ships'. Dealing with personal events that would shock most to the core, they've continued strongly, putting their anguish, hope and strength into the music and in turn created a stunning and raw piece of music. Earlier this year, they toured the UK for the first time, so seeing them on our shores is quite a novelty. Definitely a band worth your time.
3. Pure Love. Frank Carter gained more than a name for himself as the front man of punk outfit Gallows, he gained a reputation as a fantastic front man. As he departed from his band last year to pursue his new project Pure Love alongside ex-Suicide File member Jim Carroll, a new legacy in his career began. Still in the early steps of their journey, Pure Love mixes poppier elements with a core rock sound - a far cry from the aggressive screams of Gallows. They're going nowhere - one listen to 'Bury My Bones' and you'll likely be hooked - so they're definitely worth moseying over to.
4. Don Broco. Another homegrown talent for you to sink your teeth into. With their new album 'Priorities' just released and going down an absolute storm, it seems that now is the prime time to catch them live. Where they've always had catchy hooks and big choruses, their new album just makes it all bigger, better and tighter. Fantastic. Many think this is the start of big things for them, so why not jump on board sooner rather than later?
5. Modestep. Lostprophets surprised fans by announcing a dubstep act as their support earlier this year, but the London-based group soon won over the doubters. Infusing rock with the musical elements that are currently taking the industry by storm, Modestep's festival sets are sure to cause the crowds to descend into electronic-fuelled anarchy.
6. Mongol Horde. Leaving his hardcore roots for a folk punk road that's taken him from humble clubs to selling out Wembley and performing the Olympic opening ceremony, Frank Turner has a host of musical success to ride on. Having worked on a hardcore side project for quite some time, Frank recently unveiled 'Mongol Horde' via blog, adding that they'll be playing the Lock Up Stage at Reading and Leeds. People have been waiting a while to find out more about this project, so what better way to acquaint yourself with them than seeing them at one of their earliest live shows?
7. Green Day. If you're reading this far, you deserve to be let in on one of the (presumed) worst kept secrets in music right now. It's highly speculated that one of the secret bands at the Lock Up Stage in Reading is Green Day, but this of course remains speculation. A photo did however leak of their planned tour dates, featuring London this Thursday, Reading (go figure) and Paris (which they are playing on Sunday). So if you made it this far and are going to Reading, go see Green Day. Unless they're not playing... Then don't.
8. Gallows. Much like Pure Love being Frank Carter's new musical incarnation, his past band haven't fallen following his departure. Joined by ex-Alexisonfire's Wade MacNeil, the band are a rejuvinated force unto themselves, with that quintessential punk aggression entwined with Wade's more than capable vocals. Some were concerned how the band would rest with a new vocalist, but they've proven that they're still a force to be reckoned with live.
9. Marmozets. Frankly, Marmozets are wild. Seeing them live back in April, they seemed to spend more time off-stage than on, which is often the sign of a band willing to push themselves live. Their music is big, it's brash and it'll likely cause anarchy in the crowd. Not wanting to spend time in a probable pit? Fear not, they're one of those bands that put on enough of a show through energy that they're great to just stand and watch. Take your pick. As long as you're watching from somewhere it's all good.
In reality, there's dozens and dozens of bands that could be listed under the "Recommended" title for Reading and Leeds. The festivals do have a real quality line-up packed in there this year. But here are nine for you to enjoy. Between Angels and Airwaves, Eagles of Death Metal, At The Drive-In (!), Billy Talent - the list could go on - there's a lot of great music to pass your time with over the weekend. Let's hope the weather lives up to the occasion!
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But a festival is not built solely on its headliners, so here are a few bands dotted around the line-up that, should you be lucky enough to attend, we recommend you take time out to see. 
