Eight acts to catch at All Points East 2019
With only a few days to go until the second edition of All Points East kicks off, we take a look at the eight acts we're most excited to see on its opening weekend
With appearances from Björk, The xx, LCD Soundsystem and Young Fathers, All Points East made quite the splash last year with its inaugural instalment at London’s Victoria Park. This year, the festival is thankfully showing no signs of a sophomore slump.
Aside from the range of excellent artists set to perform, the organisers of the festival are curating four days of exciting events across England’s half-term holiday as part of its In the Neighbourhood programme. These range from a Craft Beer Fair (27 May) that has over 20 local breweries participating to free drag cabaret (28 & 29 May) put on by London’s Mariah Carey-themed Mariah and Friendz.
With one of the most diverse line-ups of the year across its two weekends, and plenty of exciting things to see and do to keep you entertained in between sets, we’re more than ready for All Points East to ring in the summer. Here are our eight picks to see across the first weekend of the festival, which takes place from 24-26 May.
Beach House
After steadily refining their sound over six acclaimed albums, Beach House turned heads when they released the bold 7 last year. We described it as a “solid first step heralding Beach House's next phase”, and we can’t wait to see it performed live alongside their classic cuts. If you’re after chill summer vibes with a tinge of melancholy, don’t miss the Baltimore dream-pop duo’s set. Playing Sunday 26 May
Danny Brown
One of the more unique characters in hip-hop, Danny Brown never fails to put on a phenomenal show. It’s been almost three years since the rapper released the chaotic Atrocity Exhibition; luckily, he’s just announced his fifth studio album U Know What I'm Sayin'? due for release later this year. Don’t be surprised if he gives the crowd at Victoria Park a sneak preview. Playing Friday 24 May
The Chemical Brothers
It’s been almost 25 years since The Chemical Brothers released their debut album Exit Planet Dust and, thankfully, the electronic duo show no signs of stopping. Just last month they released No Geography, which was a critical and commercial success, becoming their ninth UK top ten album. Expect classics like Hey Boy Hey Girl and Galvanize sprinkled in amongst their newer material. Playing Friday 24 May
Christine and the Queens
Héloïse Adelaide Letissier, known professionally as Christine and the Queens – or simply Chris – had quite the year in 2018. After releasing the excellent Chris last September to critical acclaim, she embarked on a worldwide tour that saw her deliver an impeccable set at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Consider us hyped for her set. Playing Sunday 26 May
Little Simz
Long resting on the brink of mainstream success, London rapper and singer Little Simz has nevertheless attracted a devout following, including co-signs from Kendrick Lamar and Lauryn Hill. Her third album Grey Area is one of the best hip-hop releases this year and if you’re after a great, no-frills rap set look no further. Playing Friday 24 May
Rina Sawayama
If you’re looking for a dose of late 90s nostalgia at All Points East, you’re in luck. Japanese-British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama makes R'n'B-tinted pop music that’s as nostalgic as it is refreshingly weird. Expect lots of glittery synth goodness and, if her recent interview with Vogue is to be believed, plenty of wigs. Playing Sunday 26 May
The Strokes
In the Saturday headline slot is a group that need no introduction. When The Strokes released 2013's Comedown Machine, many assumed that it was the last time the iconic New York band would work together. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. Their surprise 2016 EP Future Present Past was seen by many as a return to form and, with talk of a "global comeback", all eyes will be on them at All Points East. Don’t miss this one. Playing Saturday 25 May
Toro y Moi
With a string of diverse but consistently excellent albums under his belt, American singer-songwriter and producer Chaz Bear has become something of an underground icon in the indie scene. Expect a vibrant set off the back of his excellent recent album Outer Peace. Bear rarely makes the trip across the Atlantic, so make sure you catch him while you have the chance. Playing Sunday 26 May
All Points East takes place in Victoria Park, London, 24-26 May and 31 May-2 Jun; In the Neighbourhood takes place between the two weekends from 27-30 May