2015 Bands
The festival kicks off at 12 noon and runs until 8pm. Running order:
On stage: 12:00
Vinyl Plan are a melody driven five-piece, who present a sincere shrewdness in their writing, yet hide true meaning though an allusive nebulous of a natural and idiosyncratic style. Their synths and dreamy guitar licks have been described as similar to those of legends like The Cure. However it’s also been said that they meet the raw acoustics of more modern artists like The Kooks. Yet, whilst being inspired by the likes of Tom Odell and Peace, they certainly have a unique take on Indie Rock.
On stage: 12:40
The Involved were formed in 2008 in Watford by Robin Brookes, Garry Brookes, Lee Brookes and Mark Hibberd. Four people with quite different influences but who share a love for 60’s Garage, Psych, Punk Rock and effects pedals. The current band members are Gaz (drums), Mark (guitar), Luke (guitar, harmonica) and Robin (vocals, bass, acoustic guitar) and there musical influences include Pretty Things, Pink Floyd, The Who, Pistols, Stone Roses, Super Furry Animals, Stones, Beatles, Beta Band and Joy Division. They have played over 100 shows, mainly in London (100 Club, Barfly, Hope & Anchor, Dublin Castle) and also in Cambridge, York, Newcastle and Birmingham. They recently supported John Power (The La’s/Cast) and Parlour Flames (ex Oasis).
On stage: 13:20
Take three sassy voices, arrange a collection of original and cover swing songs, add sharp dance routines and you have The Polka Dots! Together, the three girls bring you a modern twist on the classic 1940s & ‘50s close harmony trio: From Glenn Miller and The Andrews Sisters to The Dots’ unique Rhianna and Jamiroquai arrangements.
So, whether you’re looking for a group of hard-grafting Land Girls or cheeky glamour pusses, The Polka Dots will explode onto your stage and give your event the WOW factor!
On stage: 14:05
The NashVillains are a kick-ass country band from Hertfordshire covering songs from the likes of Zac Brown, Big and Rich, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash and even AC/DC plus many more! Bringing you high energy country songs that keep you rocking.
If you think you know country music as only being from the likes of Jim Reeves and Dolly Parton you are wrong, so get yourself along and see how these guys do it – you might just be surprised!
On stage: 14:50
Streetcar9 is an exciting 11 piece soul and funk band, playing energetic ‘Get Up On Your Feet & Dance’ music! They bring a whole new level of funk to every live performance – with two guitarists, a funky bass player, three sensational singers, three electrifying horn players, one groovy percussionist and a beat bashing drummer. They are a London band whose members are all, or have been, students of Morley College in Lambeth.
They are a modern band with a classic, retro performance style, playing music to make people move, ranging from the king of em’ all James Brown, to Aretha Franklin, thru Tower of Power, Average White Band, Bruno Mars, King Curtis, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield & BB King to name but a few. This will be the band’s first time at Croxfest and they are very excited about bringing their powerful sound to the event. A classy show as well as a chance to listen to some great music!
On stage: 15:35
Five Fold Kiss are a versatile, energetic rock and pop party band from Hertfordshire. They have been entertaining audiences in and around Watford and further afield for almost a decade.
Contemporary rock alongside great classics will soon get the toes tapping. Lead singer Beki has a powerful voice with a great range. She is backed by right rhythm section of Niall on bass and Dan on drums, with Jason and Graham on lead guitar and backing vocal duties.
You might hear the band play songs from Blondie, Muse, Kula Shaka, Maroon 5, Led Zeppelin and Tina Turner amongst many others.
On stage: 16:30
Valens are an explosion of solid rock rhythms and uplifting melodies delivered with a vocal punch to the ears that will leave you reaching for the ‘repeat’ button. Their track Forever Young was played on BBC Radio 1 by Huw Stephens recently as “the most exciting new band from Herts, Beds & Bucks”.
The definitive line up, Tommy Pool, Julian Sollai, Leigh Wyatt and Alister Gibbons formed in March 2013 at which point the rock quartet embarked upon many hours of writing and recording sessions. There set was perfected which consisted of their debut track, Father I and second release Forever Young.
Taking their musical cue from 30STM, Angels & Airwaves and countless more, the bands first release, Father I, attracted them the attention of BBC Introducing where they performed 2 live sets, and Amazing Instore where they were listed as a ‘Discovery of the Week’. Gareth Lloyd of BBC Introducing 3 Counties listed Valens on his A-Z of new music representing ‘V’ for Valens. On the same list are quality bands like Don Broco, Scholars and Young Guns. Valens are also favourites of Amazing Radio’s Aaron Phillips who championed their sound with an exclusive first play of Forever Young and I’m Rising.
Valens recently supported Lonely The Brave for one night with an acoustic set and supported Fearless Vampire Killers at The Dome, London on 1st November 2014 and went down a storm with the loyal FVK fans!
On stage: 17:25
Whether you’re on a ‘Stairway to heaven’ or a ‘Highway to Hell’ Tail-Gator has it covered. With influences from Aerosmith to ZZ Top; AC/DC to Led Zepp Tail-Gator’s entertaining and infectious live performances make a ‘Gator’ gig one to remember.
They really do enjoy what they do and are very impressive to watch, the musicianship is fantastic & they know how to rock. The song list is full of classics that rock aficionados have come to love – absolutely brilliant! Tail-Gator are an act not to be missed!
On stage: 18:20
The Turner Brothers, fronted by brothers Anthony and Patrick Turner, are a 9 piece british band celebrated for their energy, feel good music and the ability to create a party wherever they go means that they are fast becoming festival favourites.
Their sound is sprinkled with Ska, Indie, Folk, alternative and Rap and they’ve been voted ‘crowd’s favorite band’ at Hogsozzle festival both in 2014 and 2015. Fresh from a mini-tour in Europe where they performed at sold-out venues in Austria and Greece. They are back on British soil for several headline gigs in London, including The Troubadour in Earl’s court, and The Horns in Watford, where the band are originally from.
The Turner Brothers made a few memorable appearances this year, notably a well-received live session on BBC radio and a stand-out set at Hogsozzle festival. After that, the band were followed around for several months by a film crew for a tv show to be aired on BBC Three in early 2015. The Turner Brothers have released their first single ” Lay Low” under Liquid lens productions Fronted by brothers Anthony & Patrick Turner.
On stage: 19:15
Meansteed are 4 hard rockers who play hard rock in a hard rockin’ hard rock band from Harrow who are ready to take over the world!! They’re a no-nonsense, high octane, uncompromising and raw rock ‘n roll band.
With a no-prisoners attitude to their live show, if you’re lucky enough to leave alive you will be deafened, sweaty, suffering from whiplash and hungry for more!
