Truck Festival have arrived with their first announcement!
Truck Festival have arrived with their first announcement, and it’s a big’n. The Oxfordshire festival is a favourite for those who want indie titans, Mr Motivator, and the Oxford Symphony Orchestra, all in the same place. I mean who doesn’t?
If you’re on Twitter, chances are you’ve already seen some of the acts. For the second year running the festival themselves have ‘leaked’ acts from their own lineup through the form of sending out mysterious packages. Last year was potatoes, this year was fortune cookies. With the instruction to share what act they got in their cookies, fans would accompany their findings with the hashtag #NotATruckPotato. To save you trawling through that hashtag, here’s some of the acts that were sent out, along with some from the announcement that we think you’ll NEED to see at this years festival.
Bombay Bicycle Club
Headliners, and for VERY good reason, Bombay Bicycle Club are keeping the momentum going on their stunning return with what will most likely be one of many festival appearances this year. The band returned last month with their first album in six years after going on hiatus, one that if you haven’t already listened to, will blow you away. Expect to hear plenty of ‘Everything Else Has Gone Wrong’ along with a collection of hits from their unbeatable catalogue in what will truly be an amazing day-closing set.
Catfish and The Bottlemen
Festival closers, this could be seen as somewhat of a victory lap for the welsh indie-rockers. Truck festival was one of their first festival headline slots as a band, way back in 2016. Armed with two more albums since then and a hell of a lot more fanfare, Catfish will be bringing their unmistakable sound to the main stage to close the final night of the festival. Expect guitars, fireworks, and overhearing someone around you go “did you know Van McCann wrote Tyrants when he was just 14?”.
Shame
Shame had one of the best and most ferocious live shows around in support of their debut album, so their return isn’t something to mess around with. The South-London five piece have confirmed their follow- up to ‘Songs of Praise’ is completed and ready to go, so if you’re like me, you’re probably counting down the days for a release date. Although the release may not be before the festival, expect to hear some new material being played at Truck. If you’re near the front for this set, expect to be joined in the crowd by Charlie Steen at some point or another.
Easy Life
Some of Leicester’s finest, Easy Life are riding their way to the top with every release they make. Having only been around since 2017, the alternative band have made waves through their touring and their own unique sound. Coming second in the BBC’s ‘Sound of 2020’ poll and having their latest EP hit the top 10 in the charts a day after it released bodes that this is the year Easy Life take over. A sense of feel-good in their music, whilst also tackling important topics, you’ll struggle not to enjoy this set.
Chappaqua Wrestling
Charlie Woods and Jake Mac have been writing together since they were fourteen, Chappaqua Wrestling is the product of that and probably one of your next favourite bands.
It is clear to hear their early 00’s inspirations in their sound, but paired with their writing abilities adds a certain texture to what some would call a stale sound. This band shows those people are wrong, and there’s plenty of fire still in it. Support slots for acts like Sports Team have given them stages they deserve, and seeing them at Truck will allow you to get in on something great before everyone else inevitably joins you.
Lazarus Kane
This is one act you may not have heard much of, but will definitely be glad you went and saw.
Lazarus Kane has little to no online presence, so it’s hard to say where the American and his band have appeared from. As soon as he takes to the stage however, you can tell he is quite the character. The high tempo beats along with the element of ‘cool’ in his voice makes for the perfect mix of indie-funk.
Truck Festival takes place on the 31st July to the 2nd August 2020. Tickets can be purchased here.
Words by James Baker