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It is still only a relative newcomer, having only begun in 2005, but Nottingham's Dot To Dot Festival is fast becoming a popular fixture for anyone wanting to hunt out the best in new music. Dot To Dot has proven itself to be the place to see bands just as they are on the brink of exploding overground. Past festivals have seen the likes of Klaxons, The Cribs, Kate Nash and British Sea Power strut their stuff over various city centre venues including, Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Stealth, The Bodega Social, and Nottingham Trent University.
Another reason why it's pretty mint is that it's a festival with (semi) decent toilets, it's all indoors so you don't need to worry about the classic dreary bank holiday weather, and at the end of the day you can crawl inside your own bed instead of a damp and cold tent. The beer is still festival grade though.
As always LeftLion will be down covering the festival, but before we do we thought that we would share with you out Top 10 Picks of the day. We'll see you down the front for...
 65 Days of Static
Falling somewhere between dense post-rock and rowdy, un-settling electronica, 65 Days of Static are fresh from supporting moody rock titans The Cure on their recent work world tour. If you enjoy having your head blown away by the sheer force of the music coming from the stage, and like feeling as if your body has been raped by an electrical storm, then this is the band for you.
65 Days of Static website |
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 Crystal Antlers
Their latest album, 'Tentacles', is the last ever release by legendary record label, 'Touch and Go'. These California's are determined to drag psych-rock kicking and screaming from its 1960s roots in to the 21st century. Whirling organs dance around as guitars and drums clatter amongst the feedback and growling vocals. Go and see these, and be prepared to step out of you mind, man.
Crystal Antlers website
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 Dinosaur Pile-up
If in an alternative universe, Rivers Cuomo decided that he wanted to be in the Gang of Four instead of a metal Beach Boys, then you are close to the awesome sound of Dinosaur Pile-up. Jagged riffs and sublime melodies crash around each other creating one mouth watering racket. Monster!
Dinosaur Pile-up website
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 Dog Is Dead
One of only a couple of local acts at this years Dot To Dot festival, Dog is Dead are still so young that it makes you a little bit sick to think that they are so damn talented, and are able to knock out catchy hook after catchy hook. If you like to dance along to the band at gigs with a huge smile on your face instead of moshing, or just standing still like a lemon, then Dog is Dead's poppy ska will be perfect for you.
Dog is Dead website
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 Fists
Fists take vintage country and mix it with lo-fi charm and anti-folk aesthetics to create charming and irresistible tunes that make you feel happy and pleased that there are actually English guitar bands who don’t want to sound like the usual Arctic Monkeys influenced indie landfill tripe. They teeter on the point of ramshackle, have a knowing humour, and are one of the best bands in Nottingham at the moment.
Fists website
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 Ladyhawke
Dancefloor filling electro-chic has been something of a cash-cow of late for record labels still milking pilled-up teenagers out of their pocket money since the halcyon nu-rave days of 2007, which means the charts and airwaves have become full of a lot of drivel of late. But thankfully for us, one of the few shining lights of this scene will be gracing us at Dot to Dot. Her song ‘My Delirium’ was as addictive as crack, and she’s bound to get everyone bouncing around late on Sunday night.
Ladyhawke website
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 My Vitriol
If you were about 15-18 in the late 90s, then you are bound to love My Vitriol. They haven't done anything for yonks, but this year they seem to be determined to make up for the last few years of relative silence, and are hitting the road. If you like your rock “alt” and your shoes “gazing”, then make sure you go and see the return of one of the best British rock bands of the last few years.
My Vitriol website
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 The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Easily the best band name of the day, which is reason enough to go and check them out this Sunday. They also play the type of fuzzy indie that makes you feel all warm inside, which only bands from Brooklyn seem to be able to do at the moment. If you own too many Pavement bootlegs and like ironic t-shirts, then I expect to see you at the front for these.
The Pains of being Pure at Heart website
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 The Petebox
To put it simply, The Petebox is an amazing talent. This UK Beatboxing Champion takes his solo performances to another level, by sampling his voice to build layers upon layers of tracks live; he’s building his songs in front of you as he performs. He’s also from Nottingham, which makes him even more skill in our books.
The Petebox website
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 Vivian Girls
Vivian Girls take the best bits of shoegaze, surf, and mix it with that irresistible late 80s C-86 murkiness. Imagine if the Jesus and Mary Chain decided to murder the B-52s, whilst Phil Spector danced around the horrific sight waving a shot gun at anyone and everyone and recording it all in an echo chamber, and you will get something close to the Vivian Girls charms.
The Vivian Girls website
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The last few remaining tickets are still available for the Dot to Dot festival in Nottingham, priced at £35 (plus booking fees). Please check the official website for more details, including where to purchase your ticket from, how to pick-up your wristband on the day, and the official running times.
Dot To Dot Festival website
The Dot to Dot festival isn’t the only music event happening over this bank holiday weekend. The City Pulse festival returns for free days of free music in the City Centre. There will be anything and everything from 1940’s swing and 1960s pop through to ska, latin, and jazz.
City Pulse website
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