– VARIOUS VENUES, MANCHESTER –

Back for its third year in Manchester, Dot to Dot has come along tremendously since it started in Nottingham in 2005. Ever since then they have continuously created compelling line-ups, bringing some of the best new and upcoming talent to an exciting inner-city environment. This year’s line-up is certainly no exception.

As soon as I finish work for the day¸ I rush down to Sound Control to catch 2:54. This is the sixth time I’ve seen them play, and I very much doubt I’ll ever get tired of them. The room quickly filled up as they begin with swirling guitar riffs and powerful vocals, creating a dark atmosphere and leaving the crowd hungry for more than just a half hour set.

Down the road at Joshua Brooks is London four-piece Two Wounded Birds. Creating Beach Boys inspired surf -pop, they have the ability to put a smile on anybody’s face with their summery, infectious guitar riffs and energetic rhythm section. The only thing that would make this experience better would be the lack of pillars surrounding the stage.

Next up is O Children. Having just released their new album ‘Apnea’, their set is an excellent mix of new and old. They begin the set with most recent single ‘PT Cruiser’, which sees effortlessly cool frontman Tobias on (previously unseen) guitar duties. Distinctive bass lines and deep vocals create a haunting atmosphere which suits the dark basement of Joshua Brooks just perfectly.

In Sound Control basement, Birmingham buzz-band PEACE live up to all the praise they are getting. Having just signed to Columbia Records, this is a perfect opportunity to see them in such an intimate venue, and they certainly managed to draw the full attention of the crowd. Early demo ‘BBLOOD’ and recent single ‘Follow Baby’ are the crowd pleasers, adding a dance-inspired twist to generic guitar music and creating a mighty wall of sound.

Lo-fi garage punk superstars Wavves get the crowd warmed up with their joyful melodies and summer vibes before headliners Pulled Apart By Horses tear it up in Sound Control Loft. It’s been a tiring day but they’re not going to let me call it a night just yet. Bursting with energy and throwing themselves around on stage, the crowd mirror them as they form a circle pit, every song greeted with enthusiasm (and sweat). These boys are insane, yet absolutely brilliant.