Marsicans' Summer Festival Playlist

Happy Festival Season!

We're well into Summer now and many a festival has already been and gone, but for those waiting for some of the bigger names to come around (Reading & Leeds, anyone?) there's still plenty of time to get into the festival cheer.

Credit: Robbie Jay Barratt

Appearing at a heck of a load of festivals this year is Marsicans, who are taking their 'dirty indie meets upbeat pop' sounds to the likes of Tramlines, Kendal Calling and R&L over the Summer. We recently saw them take the stage at Sound City, that set alone proving they're an exciting band to keep an eye on. Think The Maccabees with Clean Cut Kid and Circa Waves and you're part way there to describing Marsicans' slick, sun-doused sound.

So, we asked Oli, James, Cale and Rob to put their heads together and come up with the perfect 'get in the mood' playlist for the season - because if anyone knows how to do a festival - with the amount already in their back pocket, it's them.

Gengahr - Mallory

Appearing with Marsicans at: Tramlines

Oli says: "Perfect tempo for some top drawer dad dancing. It's tunes like this that get you through those warm cans of beer you've been nursing all day.”

Maggie Rogers - Dog Years 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

Oli says: "She's cooler than all four Marsicans combined, writes bloody good pop songs and is yet to release a debut record."

Coin - Boyfriend 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

Oli says: "This band should have WARNING stickers on their album artwork because the choruses are so damn catchy they are bordering on having permanent psychological affects. Lucky for me (and probably you) that's how I like my choruses."

Fickle Friends - Swim 

Appearing with Marsicans at: 110 Above, Reading & Leeds

Rob says: "There is some kind of high-hat magic trick that happens before the first chorus that gets me every time. This tune has such a cool groove and is massively uplifting, everything I want when I’m drunk-dad-dancing in a field."

The Vaccines - If You Wanna 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

Rob says: "It’s just straight down the line, unapologetic guitar pop with about 200 chorus’ that was written for festival crowds and it absolutely bangs." 

Peace - 1989 

Appearing with Marsicans at: 110 Above

Rob says: "I believe this a cover of an old dance track so it’s not surprising it carries itself in a similar way. There’s a constant build/drop thing that breathes life into your tired Wellington clad legs and a psych guitar break for that much needed rest."

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Hippo Campus - Way it Goes 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

James says: "As soon is it kicks in you're having a great time from start to finish. Perfect track to stand in a field and forget your worries too.”

Bad Sounds - Avalanche 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Barn On The Farm, Leeds Festival 

James says: "I don't think I could get bored of this track. There's so many interesting parts going on that, every time I listen, it has me grooving in a whole new way.”

Kings of Leon - Back Down South

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

James says: "I get my Stetson out for this one. I'm a sucker for country-rock and this ticks all my boxes.”

The Joy Formidable - Whirring 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

Cale says: "Found these about 8 years ago supporting Editors. They have a big sound for a 3 piece. Also the drummer has massive crazy hair."

Skindred - Rat Race 

Appearing with Marsicans at: Reading & Leeds

Cale says: "So good live, their heavy reggae vibe is dancy and moshy at the same time, plus a crazy front man."

Marsicans Live Dates

14 Jul - Smoked And Uncut 2018

21 Jul - Tramlines 2018 (free entry)

22 Jul - Jimmy's Fest 2018

27 Jul - Kendal Calling 2018

4 Aug - Neverworld 2018

5 Aug - 110 Above 2018

24 Aug - Leeds Festival 2018

26 Aug - Reading Festival 2018

06 Sep - Cyprus Avenue, Cork (IE)

07 Sep - Whelan's, Dublin (IE)

08 Sep - Moira Calling 2018 (NI)

06 Oct - Neighbourhood Festival 2018