News

First Aid Kit, The Coral and Jesca Hoop Added To Latitude Line Up

• 20th 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.

A festival like no other, Latitude stands alone as a bold and pioneering event with a line-up like no other. In the stunning Suffolk countryside, Latitude incorporates the very best of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret for a truly unique weekend of fun and adventure as well as inspiration and education. Four arenas are dedicated to an exciting selection of musical talent from emerging bands, international stars and homegrown heroes, whilst the arts onsite command no less than thirteen arenas and areas providing something for everybody – no matter what your tastes or desires; once again making Latitude the place to be this summer.

The Obelisk Arena has been the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances over the years and with headlining performances from Florence + the Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend this year will be no different. Also playing are Empire Of The Sun, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Temper Trap, Laura Marling, Hockey and Frank Turner and joining this stunning line-up is:

Texan four-piece The Strange Boys wield a fantastic blend of early days Rolling Stones with a modern twist. Back to basics scuzzy rock ’n’ roll with primal blues rock riffs and soulful swagger, their disharmony is matched with a sensitive and melodic side. Formed in 2004 they have already gained a devoted following, but with their latest album ‘Be Brave’ making waves over here, their set at Latitude’s Obelisk Arena will help spread the word further.

Inside the large canopy that comprises The Word Arena lies an amazing set of alternative artists, crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. You’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum. With The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear headlining and The Horrors, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Richard Hawley plus many more already confirmed – this is a line-up that is not to be missed.
Just confirmed are:

Sussex, an unlikely hotbed of pop talent, gave rise to The Feeling – five lads whose Number one album success made them one of our biggest intelligent boy bands for the latter half of the decade. Massive top ten hits ‘Fill My Little World Right Up’, ‘Never Be Lonely’ and ‘I Thought It Was Over’ sealed their position as the streamlined radio constants you couldn't help but love. With their as-yet unnamed third studio album due for release this summer, The Feeling will be a natural fit on The Word Arena's exhilarating bill.

Merseyside troupe The Coral return to Henham Park will. Following their captivating acoustic set on Latitude's second stage two years ago, the five-piece return with a full band performance in The Word Arena. With four Top Five charting albums, a Top Ten ‘Best Of’ collection and timeless top ten singles, ‘Don't Think You're The First’, ‘Pass It On’ and ‘In The Morning’, their long-awaited re-emergence will remind everyone of the acidic melancholy they deal in so well. Nostalgia laced melodies and skittering and ramshackle rhythms will spin from their well of songs, bolstered now by the material from their forthcoming fifth album.

As the former leader of the inimitable Throwing Muses, Kristin Hersh has achieved an almost legendary status as a prominent singer songwriter in her own right. Having recorded her eighth studio album of solo material – ‘Crooked’, due out later this year – along with a second album of Appalachian folk songs, Hirsch brings her hazy, resonant folk works to The Word Arena. With an enormous amount of solo and band material to draw from, this is one set guaranteed to hit the mark.
Psychedelic Canadians Black Mountain have risen their heads again and Latitude will feel the full force of their musical assault. Little has been heard since the release of 2008's incredible 'In The Future', the band's second record of thick, impenetrable riffs and melodic mantras. Whispers tell of the completion of their fabled third album. Throughout their time together, they've garnered plaudits – from nominations in Canada's Polaris and Juno album prizes, to being asked to contribute a track to the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. It’s has been quiet recently, yet The Word Arena will be anything but once they hit the stage with the power and starkness of a military barrage.

Electro-rock duo The Big Pink, comprising of multi-instrumentalist Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell, have already won the prestigious NME Philip Hall Radar Award for ‘Best New Act’ since they were signed in 2009. Their gritty beats, droning guitars, abstract effects and dreamy vocals create a soundscape which is arty yet tuneful, perfectly demonstrated on big hit ‘Dominos’ featured on their debut album ‘A Brief History of Love’ released in September 2009.

Bella Union stalwarts and Danish five-piece The Kissaway Trail have started the year well with a North American tour support slot with The Temper Trap and the release of their triumphant second album ‘Sleep Mountain’. Soaring vocal harmonies and amassed orchestration not only fit The Word Arena's epic line-up, but also give bands like Arcade Fire a run for their money.

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. This year Girls, Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez are headlining the arena. Also confirmed on the Sunrise Arena line up are Nadine Shah, Kurran and the Wolfnotes and Lupen Crook. With plenty more bands to still be announced there will be many tasty treats for those who like to be at the start of something very special.

Following the success of 2006's debut EP 'A Lesson in Crime' – a rapid-fire barrage of wide-eyed post-punk – the Canadian four-piece Tokyo Police Club have been earning their hype and praise with a string of hard-hitting singles and a hectic international touring schedule. This year sees them release their second album 'Champ', a matured offering from their first 'Elephant Shell', full of soaring guitars, driving backbeats and irresistible sing-a-longs and their performance on the Sunrise Arena is the perfect backdrop to get in on the act.

Swedish duo First Aid Kit return to Latitude for a serene set at the Sunrise Arena. Their soulful folk makes them sound mature beyond their teenage years, wielding a fine knack for storytelling whilst producing sweet melodic acoustic songs. Having just released their debut album ‘The Big Black and The Blue’ to much critical praise this sibling duo are on course for a fantastic career – make sure you see these rising stars in the intimate surroundings of the Sunrise Arena.

From being the nanny for Tom Waits' kids to moulding her own odd-folk stylings, Jesca Hoop has had an interesting start to her career. Having released her second album ‘Hunting The Dress’ late last year, Jesca's deft vocal acrobatics, shimmering sounds and rhythmic hiccups are captivating. It’s clear Jesca is forming her own path upon which to tread and that's precisely where she'll lead us to the leafy Sunrise Arena.

Wandering experimental indie group Egyptian Hip Hop may have a misleading name, but it's as appropriate as any when you hear the aural putty they're playing with. This youthful Manchester quartet are garnering a large buzz similar to sonic adventurers and friends Late of the Pier. Definitely worth catching at this very early stage.

The next antipodean success story is likely to be Queensland natives, The Middle East. They look set to succeed by plying us with sweet, slow-burning melodies bubbling with charm and positivity. Two of these startling ballads have been part of the ‘Hottest 100’ last year on Australia's influential radio tastemakers ‘Triple J’ despite being over two years old.
With high profile performances booked this year and opening for Grizzly Bear in their homeland, these youngsters are hoping to translate that success over here, starting with Latitude.

Recent Rough Trade signing Joe Worricker coasts upon sparse yet blossoming arrangements with a voice being compared to a male Amy Winehouse. With a low tone and disarming range, Joe's soulful pop has a spice to promote the undeniable astonishment guaranteed to rise from his impassioned vocal musings. Nestled in the woods on the Sunrise Arena stage, Joe’s silky soulfulness will help warm up the crowd in the early afternoon.

Described by the NME as, “the Joni Mitchell for the new folk generation”, Delta Maid has a remarkable voice. Blending mesmerising psyche folk with country blues her music is turning heads and hearts all over the place. Citing Hank Williams and Patsy Cline together with Blues legends like Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Stevie Ray Vaughan as her influences, her music is soaked in nostalgia. Come witness this rising musical talent as she shines at the Sunrise Arena on Friday.

Smartly dressed Liverpudlian teens The Liberty Vessels mix and match chiming guitar lines with a familiar rumbling wail. Comparisons with a certain infamous Hulmerist is inevitable, but it's this dark and playful contrast which makes them so compelling. They supported Echo and The Bunnymen last year and are all set to make an impact with their performance at Latitude.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy exciting theatre and dance productions presented by the Royal Opera House, Royal Shakespeare Company, 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.

With many more acts still to be announced, Latitude will provide the perfect setting for the summer.