RANKED: The top 10 bands to see at Noizzefest
- Katerina Stepanikova
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Kicking off its third edition this year, Noizzefest is coming back stronger than ever. Taking place across the Fuel Rock Club and Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on the 25th April, the festival is a celebration of the British underground scene, while it is also not shying away from booking big names for their stages.
With such a packed bill this year, there is a big chance that everyone will find themselves a handful of bands they need to absolutely check out, as well as names they are familiar with. Here are some of the top ten bands you absolutely should not miss this year:
10) OMOIA
The queer emo band from Leeds was only formed in 2022, but has not stopped stirring up the waters of the British alternative scene since then. Having two meaty EPs under their belt - The Sickness and Antropology, OMOIA is only getting started while making the wider audience aware of their melodic, melancholic sound that will strike you almost instantly. They are taking over the TJP Tours Stage at the Fuel Rock Club as one of the later bands of the day.
9) KNIVES
Bottling together chaotic, aggressive sounding riffs with even more intense vocals, KNIVES are for sure one of the bands to not miss out on at the Clwb Ifor Bach Stage (Upstairs), especially since they are the supporting band for the headliner. With their debut full-length GLITTER unleashed into the world last year, the band is quickly taking over the world with their layered, overwhelmingly captivating music.
8) HAMARTIA
Just earlier this year, HAMARTIA toured around the UK with the giants TRASH BOAT, and they are set for even more exciting times. Infusing various elements all across the music spectrum into an emotionally charged alt rock experience, the four-piece can deliver it all - from intricate riffs and beats, to raw vocals, that will make you feel all sorts of emotions within seconds, while running around in the moshpit.
7) TAYNE
If anyone is bringing new sounds to the Noizzefest, it is with no doubt the London-based industrial noise pop project. Do not be fooled by the word “pop” though, as the band uses heavy riffs and raw vocal fries, being a perfect band for a rave moshpit. Taking over the Clwb Ifor Bach Stage (Downstairs) as the second to last band, TAYNE is definitely a must see band for anyone, who is craving a big dose of brain melting music.
6) BICURIOUS
When someone talks about electronic dance rock, the Irish duo BICURIOUS are absolutely ones that come to mind. Known for their experimental and groovy take onto the genre, Gavin Purcell and Taran Plouzané can make the floor every time they perform - let it be from jumping, or the most brutal circle pit. The use of instruments in their work is very remarkable and the fans at Noizzefest can find out for themselves on the Clwb Ifor Bach Stage (Upstairs).
5) HELL HOTEL
Adding to the emo side of the roster, HELL HOTEL is not only leaning into the popular genre, but brings heavy metalcore influences as well. The duo from Brighton is drawing from the infamous 2000s style, oftentimes bringing melancholic and interesting riffs that are working wonders with the raspy vocals and fast-beat drums. It is absolutely a must-check out band, as they are headlining the TJP Tours Stage on the day.
4) CALVA LOUISE
As the main headliners of the festival, CALVA LOUISE does not need much introduction. If you are up for a good set filled to the brim with sickly vocals and melodies, the Londoners are an absolute go-to. And if you are not, they still are, as their sound is uniquely haunting and perfectly fitting for their aesthetic, grabbing the attention of anyone interested in good modern rock with dominating guitars and occasional classical elements like piano combined with the vocalist's uncompromising screams. Check them out at the Clwb Ifor Bach Stage (Upstairs) at the end of the day for an ecstatic experience you never knew you needed.
3) A-TOTA-SO
With the combination of grunge, post-hardcore and math-rock, A-TOTA-SO proved themselves on numerous occasions as a band that always pushes its own limits far beyond its boundaries. Recently releasing their first single since 2024 - Death Rattle, the three-piece is gearing up for their Cardiff appearance with more heavy riffs, intertwining their chaotic and noisy sound with moments of intense tension and silence - in the good, old-fashioned A-TOTA-SO way.
2) ICANTDIE
Coming from South Wales, ICANTDIE bring good ol’ alt rock to Cardiff in April. From heavily sounding drums, to captivating riffs, to beautifully aggressive vocals, the three-piece is a formidable foe and a must listen, if the underground alt rock is your thing. So far, the band has only two EPs out, with the latest being Errors from 2023, but that absolutely did not stop them to bring their powerful forces to the Noizzefest crowd.
1) HAGGARD CAT
A critically acclaimed British post-hardcore/alt-rock duo, HAGGARD CAT is not only about promising riffs, it delivers intense live performances and impactful, introspective lyrical themes. Every song is a masterfully executed piece with thoughtfully used synths and harmonies, resulting into epically huge choruses. The band is set to headline the Clwb Ifor Bach Stage (Downstairs) and should not be missed by any fans of meticulously written music.
If you do not want to miss out on Noizzefest’s busy roster, put the date 25th April in your calendar.
Words: Kat Stepanikova
Comments