FROM ACROSS THE POND: The Great Escape Festival Preview 5/12-14/2011

As a Londoner, I’ll openly admit that everything is always bigger and better Stateside and that SXSW is undoubtedly the biggest and best of the music conventions.

Alas, the Brits can’t be lambasted for a lack of trying. The Great Escape kicks off at the end of this week, showcasing some of the best new and alternative music from both sides of the pond as well as further afield. Although host town Brighton is small (in comparison to Austin at least), its musically rich history makes this the perfect environment for young bands to pedal their melodious wares to industry professionals and would-be fans alike.

As with most festivals, it’s always difficult to decide what bands to see (and undoubtedly unknown gems will be stumbled upon in a drunken stupor – this is how I discovered Welsh band The Joy Formidable last year) but below are my top ten acts to catch if you’re lucky enough to make a great escape (please excuse the pun) across the Atlantic!

1. Sufjan Stevens
2. Foster The People
3. Cloud Nothings
4. Josh T. Pearson
5. The Xcerts
6. The Wave Pictures
7. Yuck
8. King Charles
9. Cults
10. White Denim

For more information, go HERE.