LIMF 2016: Five acts to watch
From Sigma and Lianna La Havas to the Buzzcocks and Clinic, you won't find yourself short of things to see at LIMF this year. Still, you may be wondering where to begin with the vast array of up-and-coming local talent on display – allow us to help...
Welcome to Liverpool International Music Festival 2016! Taking place in Sefton Park between 22-24 July, this year's free-entry Summer Jam is something of a star-studded affair. There's a hefty line-up on the main stage and even an appearance from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – they'll be redefining some of the best-known songs to emerge from round these parts with their Music City: Reimagined show on Friday 22 July.
If you're wandering around the park over the weekend, however, you'll have the chance to catch up with acts at the other end of their careers. Aside from the main Central Stage, there are four stages – ItsLiverpool, LIMF x Laces Out, LIMF Academy and Bandstand – hosting some of the newest and best acts in the city right now. Join us as we list some of our favourites...
Scarlet.
First appearing in 2014, dreampop wonders Scarlet. (not to be confused with the Hull duo behind Independent Love Song, obviously) have already worked with producers of an impressive calibre, from Michael Johnson (New Order) to Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon). Having successfully crowdfunded the recording of their first album, they're currently preparing for a full-scale assault on the UK music scene – one listen to their shimmering, atmospheric epics should be all it takes to convince you of their heady charms.
Academy Stage, 23 Jul, 5.30pm
XamVolo
No stranger to these pages, the frighteningly talented XamVolo continues to draw acclaim and astonishment for his seductively smooth take on neo-soul. With a new video under his belt for latest track Runner's High, he demonstrates the murky darkness that's central to his appeal, blending irresistable vocals with intensely discombobulated production and an all-action approach to texture. It's his reputation as a performer that's got him this far however – guaranteed to bring Sefton Park to its knees in adoration.
ItsLiverpool Stage, 23 Jul, 5.30pm
Aztex
Despite some suspicion in its formative years as to why anyone needs to go to school to learn to be in a pop band, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts has since proven itself to be both a hotbed of talent and the perfect incubator for creative collaboration. One of the most exciting products of recent times has been Aztex, a five-piece featuring members from Canada, the USA and the UK. Their heavenly melodicism may call to mind the deft beats of Purity Ring; it may carry shades of an updated Saint Etienne. One thing's for sure: it's very excellent indeed.
Academy Stage, 23 Jul, 6.05pm
Rongorongo
Direct from local indie stable War Room Records, ever-evolving collective Rongorongo present a bewitching combination of krautrock-flavoured pop, darkwave indie and post-punk. Theirs is a diverse palette of neatly-mixed colours and subtle, wickedly clever songwriting, and yet they still give the impression that they're only just getting started. Find out why last year's Automatic Hypnotist EP caused such a stir as they bring their pulsating live show to the LIMF stage.
ItsLiverpool Stage, 24 Jul, 12.20pm
Halem
Fashioning neon-coloured magnifience from the basest strands of electronica and 80s new pop, Halem have drawn comparison to the likes of Chvrches, but they're very much their own creation. Having attracted interest from sources as diverse as Howard Jones and Atlantic Records, big things are expected of this band. When Katy Bryson's vocals are in full flow, with the pristine sheen of their huge sound at full pelt, you'll swiftly come to understand why.
Academy Stage, 24 Jul, 5.30pm