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Plantoid Just take a look at the band’s debut Ter
rapath album cover and I defy you not to be drawn to them. The organic retro sci-fi image tells you much about the band’s outlook. Fusing prog and jazz with the amazing voice of singer Chloe Spence they touch on bands like Curved Air, Cocteau Twins and Stereolab in their cosmic soup sound. I’m expecting a jaw dropping performance perhaps unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Mould Mould are a Bristol Punk trio. They have been together over ten years but only this year released their scorching first (self-titled) EP on Nice Swan Records, (try the rapid The Space You Take Up). Freshly signed to 5dB and with their spectacular new single Chunks just released, they’ve locked into the spirit of post hardcore giants Fugazi, bringing that DIY ethos, a raft of complicated riffs and the loud-quiet-(extremely) loud sound which should win them many friends. Brace yourself. Mount Palomar It looks like Neil Kerr will have the honour of being the only ever present stage performer at Borderline Festival. Interestingly he seems to have made such an impression on his fellow Borderline 1.0 talents that he wound up supporting two of the biggest hitters, Fat Dog & Maruja on their subsequent tours. Always on the lookout for a good live collaboration, he’s actually recently jammed with another 2.0 act, Black Fondu. Having thrilled the crowds at Berghain and with a fondness for ‘90s rave culture, it’s possible The Workman’s could turn into a warehouse party at some stage. Dog Race These could be the sneaky pick of the festival. The London quintet have only four singles out but they’re all amazing. They’re the talk of the underground, all word of mouth, a bit like bar italia were on the way up. Singer Katie Healy defies comparisons and is, as such, a unique talent. Will McNabb on bass provides the essential underpinnings of an ‘80s Simon Gallup. I’ll see you up the front. Automotion Formed by school friends Jesse Hitchman (Vocals/ guitar) and Lennon Gallagher (Vocals/guitar) they don’t seem to have been unduly burdened by the latter’s father Liam also being in the industry. They’ve been steadily dolling out a stream of high quality rock from the off, be it of the math, prog or shoegaze variety. They have shown an abundance of creativity and bravery, even taking on a Chemical Brothers broken beat hybrid sound with aplomb on their latest release. I suspect that when the inevitable album drops they’ll quickly find themselves in a far more commodious setting. Ebbb This ensemble from London are one of the most intriguing and unique propositions for this festival. They have the choric melodic sensibilities of Brian Wilson combined with a religious service. There’s an element of gentle English folk music but also the insanely fast relentless bass drum from Dutch gabber music. I’ve never described something as wild as that before but on their July EP it makes for a beautiful experience. Though club ready (of sorts) it’s mixed in such a way as there is no dominant element and you get to enjoy all the facets of the piece. I’d say it would fascinate Sean O’Hagan. I’ve got to see these live. 22