Features RockNess 2012: Bands To Watch

Out of the ever-rising number of 300+ festivals taking place in the UK this summer, there is unlikely to be a festival set in such a striking location as RockNess. Now into its seventh year, the Scottish festival located in the stunning picturesque surroundings on the banks of Loch Ness has established a firm reputation for combining massive headline acts with innovative electronic artists. Last years edition won best small festival at this years NME Awards and 2012’s event builds on that success with their biggest line up yet. DIY will be on hand all weekend to report on all the highlights.

This year’s RockNess headliners feature two of the UK’s biggest bands. Mumford & Sons perform on the main stage Friday night and promise to showcase songs from their forthcoming second album. The group’s brand of anthemic folk pop is tailor made for festivals and their show promises to be quite the celebration. Biffy Clyro close the weekend on Sunday, and it should be a real homecoming as they headline a festival in their homeland for the first time. The Ayrshire trio’s forthcoming double album ‘The Land At The End Of Our Toes / The Sand At The Core Of Our Bones’ is due in the Autumn. Sandwiched between these on the Saturday is dance behemoth and celebrated DJ Deadmau5 with a visual and aural explosion of a set perfect for a Saturday night party in a summer field in Scotland.

Elsewhere on the bill you will find all manner of groups from the indie-pop of The Drums, the power-pop hit packed assault of Ash and DIY faves Admiral Fallow who are a must watch. There are also a number of newer acts headed up by the delicate yet expansive folk pop of Lucy Rose.

RockNess also features a valedictory celebration for two bands capping off excellent years: Metronomy and Friendly Fires will both say goodbye to ‘The English Riveria’ and ‘Pala’ respectively. Both groups have grown immeasurably into consummate festival performers and their RockNess performances offer one last opportunity to catch them before they embark on another cycle of writing and recording.

An area where RockNess excels is in vibrant and exciting electronic music and this year is no different. Leading the charge is Justice who headline the Goldenvoice arena on Saturday. The French DJ duo’s second album ‘Audio, Video, Disco’ may be more cerebral in sound than their classic debut but their festival show promises to be truly special combining the irresistible bangers of their debut with all the theatrics and dynamics of a headline rock show. Not to be missed. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Hudson Mohawke, Mylo, Pearson Sound and Annie Mac are just a selection of artists and DJs who will keep the party going all weekend.

New features for this year include the comedy stage which will be headlined by Daniel Sloss. As the festival has grown into a respected and serious rival to T In The Park it has increased every year in both size and ambition. This year should be their biggest and best year yet.

RockNess will take place from 8th - 11th June at Loch Ness in Scotland.