News

Frightened Rabbit and These New Puritans Added To Latitude Line Up

• 27th Apr 2010

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

The eclectic Latitude Festival continues to hold its position as a strident and unique summer event with a bill that defies the traditional. Upon the backdrop of the incomparable Suffolk countryside, Latitude incorporates the very best of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret for a memorable weekend of bliss and adventure as well as inspiration and education. Four music arenas are to host a tantalising blend of musical talent from new bands, rising stars and a global outlook, whilst the arts programme spills over into thirteen arenas and areas providing something for everyone – no matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find it; once again making Latitude the finest destination for your summer.

The Obelisk Arena is the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances and with a line up that boasts some superb acts, this year will be no different. Heading the bill are Florence + the Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend while the likes of Empire of the Sun, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Laura Marling, The Temper Trap, Hockey, Frank Turner and The Strange Boys provide an impressive array of talent. Joining this incredible line-up is:

As the frontman of mid-nineties US alt rock band The Czars, who were one of Bella Union’s first signings, John Grant made a name for himself. As a result, after their disbandment, John Grant has played in bands such as Midlake and The Flaming Lips. He recently released his debut album 'Queen of Denmark', recorded with his sometime bandmates Midlake, who were happy to return the musical favour. The album contains a lush landscape of acoustic instruments which boasts John's striking voice blended with haunting falsetto, another tantalising prospect for Latitude.

Under the large canopy that comprises The Word Arena will be an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly where you’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum. With The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear adorning the top of the bill and Richard Hawley, The Feeling, The Coral, Kristin Hersh and Black Mountain spread across the weekend, it'll be hard to tear yourself away. Just added:
Australian siblings Angus & Julia Stone are returning to our shores clutching their second full-length album 'Down The Way'. Their whimsical, folk-addled strains and elegant harmonising have spurred them to number one in their native homeland, while their support of Martha Wainwright in Europe has honed their live performance making them a definite highlight in Latitude's bill.

Nowhere near as timid as their name suggests, Scottish heroes Frightened Rabbit are currently ensnaring a growing global audience. The critical acclaim garnered by the brutal truthfulness of second album 'The Midnight Organ Fight' spurred the band into Biffy Clyro support slots and end of year lists. New album 'The Winter of Mixed Drinks' shares a lyrical snap with a rousing anthemic musical direction, meaning they've hit the upper half of the US Billboard 200 and continue to grow in stature in the UK, especially in a live capacity. Their deafening singalongs at Latitude will echo resoundingly across the lake and greenery of the festival’s surrounds.
One of Domino's latest slew of excellent signings, Villagers are a Dublin quartet whose gentile, yet robust strummed musings bring to mind Devendra Banhart and the hugely successful Mumford & Sons. They were placed sixth in The Irish Times ‘50 Best Irish Acts Right Now’ last April, toured with the Tindersticks in March and recently appeared on Later…With Jools Holland. They're sure to top all of that with their summery set for Latitude.

New York three piece School of Seven Bells will be heading to Latitude festival bringing with them their gentle guitars and jagged beats; with silky vocals hiding behind grumpy, alien synthesizers they'll bring insidiously catchy music to The Word Arena on Saturday. Dipping into tracks from their debut album 'Alpinisms', they'll surely take everyone in to the fantasy world of dream-pop and abstract beauty.

Soundtracking Rimmel adverts and signing to the UK's premier independent label Rough Trade certainly hasn't done South London singer Rox any harm. Having already toured with Daniel Merriweather and Mark Ronson and highlighted in the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, Roxanne Tatei is in good stead for the release of her debut album before her Latitude performance. With her slinky soul pop capturing the attention of a wide range of music fans, we'd expect a healthy, eager audience for this rising star.

A deliciously unexpected treat awaits within the fragrant woods on the other side of the lake. The Sunrise Arena is host to a splendid foray of new acts and is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. Girls, Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez headline this woodland retreat and joining them are the diverse sounds of First Aid Kit, Jesca Hoop and Egyptian Hip Hop. Adding to this exciting bill is:

All the way from the banks of the Mississippi River, Lissie will be sharing her smokey vocals (which have drawn comparisons to Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde) and her finely etched songs with us. Fuelled by tequila, tomato juice and a broken heart, her eagerly anticipated debut album 'Catching A Tiger' is soon to hit the streets and includes the single 'In Sleep' which has stunned critics.

These New Puritans were never going to make things easy for us or them. Second album 'Hidden' was written partly on bassoon, with six foot Japanese taiko drums and Foley recording techniques jammed into the recording sessions. Their dark, warped merging of urban music's samples, beats and rasped vocals, guitar trickery and hitherto unimagined clashes of classical and electronica is a vicious, exceptional force. Returning to Latitude after a year's absence, TNP will be looking to mesmerise more, bringing them into their unforgiving yet infinitely rewarding vortex.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy, among many other things: the comedy stylings of Emo Philips, Phill Jupitus & Friends Improv Show and Richard Herring; literary musings from the ever-popular Robin Ince’s Book Club with Kevin Eldon, Jo Neary, Robyn Hitchcock, Josie Long & Gavin Osborn as well as a playwriting session with Polly Stenham; leftfield poetry from Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke and Eddie Argos; dramatic performances courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House, Bush Theatre and Sadler’s Wells to name but a few, cabaret performances from Rich Fulcher, Laura Solon and Idiots Of Ants; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with Q&As and discussions, with award-winning director Paul Greengrass already confirmed.

It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.