Infest takes place at Bradford University in the north of England next weekend, 26th to 28th August 2016. I’m a regular and for the last two years so my guide dog JJ has become a regular too! Infest raises a lot of money for charity including the Guide Dogs, such nice humans they are.

Last year I took the DJ slot on the main stage on Friday night which was a blast. This year I’m doing something totally different in the form of my pop up circuit bent/DIY synth side show that will appear somewhere between the bands on the main stage.

I feel it is my duty, and also my pleasure to give you lucky readers a bit of an insiders run down of the artists playing
this year.

The big hitters need no lengthy introduction. ATARI TEENAGE RIOT have been shaking up the electronic and alternative scene for decades and time has not weakened their assault. I’ve seen ATR and Alec Empire on a number of occasions and it is always visceral and full on. Digital hardcore? Hell yes.

I grew up with POP WILL EAT ITSELF, and have loved their music right from start to present. Again, I’ve seen the band regularly throughout their history and they have made me happy each and every time. I’ve been lucky enough to become acquainted with Crabbi, top guy, and with Mary Byker in the ranks there will be fun to be had.

I’ve never seen LEAETHER STRIP perform, so this is a special treat for me. I can tell you that their place in alternative electronic music is undisputed. I’ve been connected with Claus on social media for a few years and he is a legend, a nice guy and singularly passionate about what he does.

I interviewed 3TEETH before they released their first album and before they had become a gigging affair. These fellas had a buzz about them and they promised big things were to come. They were right. They have been one of the fastest rising stars the ‘scene’ has seen in a long while and it’s not just hype. I saw them live last year and enjoyed their debut album. Make sure to tune in for some old school/new school delights.

Hamburg’s GRAUSAME TÖCHTER (Cruel Daughters) should bring a tough of kink to proceedings, where EBM meets BDSM? From their youtube videos they strike as a harder EBM version of Sexdwarf era Soft Cell and I predict that they will be huge fun.

DISPLACER are a new name to me. A solo project from Michael Morton which on listening will please fans of intelligent, cinematic and engaging electronic music such as the type so often found on the Hymen/Ant Zen/Hands labels. One to expand the mind…

VELVET ACID CHRIST are another of the scene’s stalwarts that have eluded me until now. A hardcore following, a provocative back catalog and numerous dance floor classics ensure this should be a sweaty one.

I caught wind of DEAD WHEN I FOUND HER with their album Rag Doll Blues. Their sound is huge and catchy as hell.Well produced but not at all lacking substance. I am certainly looking forward to hearing material from their newest record played live.  Again, a band that capture the spirit of past alternative electronica and give it their own vital spin.

MONICA JEFFRIES has a great set of pipes. Not entirely new to the scene but only active as a solo artist since 2014 she has certainly attracted attention, plenty enough to land her a slot at Infest. Moody atmospheric and dark electropop for the masses.

RROYCE are another representative from the ever healthy German electronic scene. These should please those of us that left part of our souls in the 1980s. Well crafted pop songs, no cheese and set to please, Rroyce remind me a little of a previous Infest highlight And One.

Our South American representatives are VIGILANTE, a band I have enjoyed for a few years now. In particular the album ‘The New Resistance’ was not only great fun but also seemed to have a guest list that is effectively a who’s who of the alternative electronic scene. Check out the recent ‘Into The War’, you will dance.

Swedes ME THE TIGER will please the synth pop aficionados. A delightful female vocal, solid songs and a whimsical feel. When bands like Chvrches, Purity Ring, Ladyhawke and Little Dragon are selling records by the bucket load, it seems that Me The Tiger could really be on to something.

I can hardly wait to see HYSTERESIS. They are my cup of tea and are my predicted highlight of the weekend. Like DISPLACER, HYSTERESIS should appeal to those who like their electronica more left field though HYSTERESIS are decidedly a harsher take on things. Densely constructed, noisy and epic.

MASSIVE EGO should be damn fine fun. Almost too catchy, think Ashbury Heights but even bouncier. Homegrown electropop that has found a home on the mighty OUTOFLINE label. I’ll certainly pay them a visit to indulge my pop addiction.

I’ve just got back from playing two dates with TAPEWYRM. On both occasions he created such a wall of noise that the PA was left smoking and tremoring in the corner. He tells me he’s BRINGING IT to Infest, so be very afraid. It will be harsh, hard and it will make you move your body.

Fact. JOHNNY NORMAL is possibly the nicest human alive. His recent years have been a journey like no other and he’s come out of it totally undiminished and stronger than ever. He will entertain you with his craft which has been forged against a backdrop of Adam Ant and Gary Numan. Do not miss our Johnny!

For tickets and information you NEED to go to infestuk.com. See you there!