Fool Nelson – Artista Cafe
⭐️ 3/5
This Australian shoegaze band blends jangly guitars with smooth, melodic rock vocals to create a warm and infectious sound. Making their first appearance at TGEl, they kicked off the day with a jaunty, upbeat set that immediately showed they meant business. “Forget It” stood out as the grungier moment in the set, adding a rougher edge to an otherwise bright and melodic performance.
Review by Polly Carter
Loose Content- The Font
⭐️ 4.5/5
This 3 piece is fronted by Milla who looks like Debbie Harry but has a voice that is both pure and rock . Musically dark think – Radiohead meets Manic Street Preachers meets The Specials. Truly unique this young band are set to go far!
Review by Polly Carter
You Doo Right – Artista Cafe
⭐️ 4/5
You Doo Right delivered a sharp, Cure-inspired alt-rock set at Artista Cafe, combining dark melodic textures with a tense, driving energy throughout. The band sounded impressively tight from start to finish, with edgy guitars and atmospheric instrumentation giving the performance a brooding intensity without losing its sense of momentum. Worth following
Review by Polly Carter
The Tullamarines – Artista Cafe
⭐️ 4.5/5
Uber catchy indie pop. Part Wheatus and part The Strokes. This Aussie 4 piece is one of the festivals buzzy acts and deservedly so. They have singles coming out of their arses!
Review by Polly Carter
My Life Story – Artista Cafe
⭐️ 5/5
A celebratory acoustic show from these 90s pioneers of orchestral Brit pop shows Jake Shillingford singer and songwriter off at his stripped down best. Playing all non hits across cherry picked across their four classic albums. Every song was winner no filler! Ending their set with ‘Uneat The Apple’ a pop gem.
Review by Polly Carter
Sonny E – Artista Cafe
⭐️ 4/5
Sonny E is unlike anything else on the lineup, blending electro and rockabilly influences into a sound and aesthetic that feels completely singular. This is one of the most original projects I have heard in a good few years, I was a bit thrown off balance at first but as the set progressed the vision behind the project became much clearer. Bold, eccentric, and unapologetically distinctive.
Review by Siobhan Rowe
Bukky – Prince Albert
⭐️ 4/5
This Nigerian Irish artist exemplifies the creative sound coming from Ireland. Producing all her music, this genre-bending performer impressed with her wide range of vocals and styles, mixing rap with silky RnB choruses. Despite her band not being with her, she performed beautifully.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Pamela – Komedia Studio
⭐️ 3.5/5
Pamela and their California-style indie sound showed out in full force. With loads of charm, they had a great set filled with punchy indie songs. Fans of bands like San Cisco are bound to enjoy their bright duet sound and indie melodies.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Bonnie Trash – Secret Comedy Club
⭐️ 4/5
This gritty rock band is talented, tatted, and loud. Heavy rock and big build ups combined with trance-like vocals and big reverbs.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Mira Taylor – The Hope and Ruin
⭐️ 4.5/5
The standout pop ballad ‘Charlotte’ by Mira Taylor is one of those indie-folk-pop songs that you get addicted to listening to just once. Think a mix of Gracie Abram’s, old Taylor Swift, wrapped together with beautiful vocals and confidence on stage, Mira definitely delivered.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Any Young Mechanic – Komedia Basement
⭐️ 5/5
Folk Americana indie, banjo, fiddle, jazz bass – the kind of music that makes you nostalgic for a place you’ve never been to and for someone you used to love – a stand out set.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Status/Non-Status – Green Door Store
⭐️ 3.5/5
This indie rock band from Canada had a great vocalist and the band have a real polished sound together. All talented and confident on stage.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Lukas Oscar – The Hope and Ruin
⭐️ 4/5
Lukas is polished and ready to go. His sound and style is calling him to bigger stages. He belts out a chorus then gets down on his hands and knees (literally) and kills it on the keyboard. A mix of indie and pop elements make this such a fun set
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Marianna Winter – TGE The Jetty
⭐️ 4/5
Fun, synthy indie pop music tied together with strong vocals. Think Chappell Roan with a little bit more synth and electronic elements and a healthy dose of style similar to The 1975.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Sleapazoid – Volks
⭐️ 4/5
Sleapazoid mixes the heavier elements of traditional rock with a bit of punk and a bit of indie. The vocals flow between a kind of shout to soft melodic tones, keeping you on your toes throughout each track. There are real gritty tempo changes in the middle of tracks that get your head banging. Great set, great sound.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Garage Flower – Horatios
⭐️ 5/5
This is what you want to discover when you go to The Great Escape. This band will be everywhere, and soon. They’ve got insane energy, overwhelming talent – what more could you want. Think Oasis in both style and sound and swagger. Big things bound to come their way.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Sweet Unrest – The Secret Comedy Club
⭐️ 5/5
This band has got themselves figured out. They’ve got swagger, style, talent, and they make you feel it. Their electrifying frontman has the kind of energy you’ll remember from 90’s rock stars
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Salarymen – Dust
⭐️ 4/5
Salarymen deliver a classic Aussie style of indie rock – fun, energetic, with smooth vocals and punchy guitar and bass sounds.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Becky Sikasa – Fabrica
⭐️ 4.5/5
Roping us in from the first soft, beautiful hymn-like track, Becky’s talent is undeniable. Silky vocals and a passion for the emotions behind the lyrics makes her so joyful to watch.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
The Kitchen Sink Band – Patterns Upstairs
⭐️ 4/5
Experimental doesn’t quite cut the enjoyable genius of The Kitchen Sink Band. Fur hats, fedoras, sunnies, and so much synth. One of their two drummers is dressed in a black hooded cloak – the trance-like vocals with heavy keyboards is what they intend it to be – pure fun.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
Sorvina – The Hope and Ruin
⭐️ 4.5/5
Sorvina didn’t come all the way to the UK to just perform – they came to leave a big impression. Great rap with melodic backing vocals paired with neo-soul sounds. They cover some classics, but with such a singular energy. Think Lauryn Hill, Sade, with raw New York hip/hop energy.
Review by Louiza Trocchia
