Electric Picnic - Five Irish Acts Not To Miss

Villager's - Friday
This year’s Darling Arithmetic is perhaps the most striking work of Conor O’Brien’s career; intimate, assured and utterly spellbinding. While it was given a run-out in a brief Irish tour earlier this summer, the chance to see the new material at a festival setting has been eagerly anticipated, and we predict the honesty and earnestness will translate perfectly in a festival environment. We’ve already become accustomed to sharing the brilliance of Villagers with the world; don’t pass up an increasingly rare opportunity to enjoy it on home soil.

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Girl Band - Friday
Blazing a trail on the other side of the Atlantic on the back of their Rough Trade deal, the quartet of Dublin noise-rockers are rightly regarded as one of Ireland’s most exciting prospects. Specialising in a brand of brutal, no-holds-barred rock, their live performance has become a thing of legend, and a blistering performance at Longitude reminded us of just what we’re missing while they take on the world. High-octane doesn’t quite cover it so say your prayers, take your vitamins, and get ready for one of the most raucous, rowdy and unmissable bands of the weekend.

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Little Hours - Saturday
What a difference a 12 months make. It’s almost ludicrous that the Donegal duo will hit this year’s Picnic celebrating the anniversary of their first gig – they broke their live duck after winning a spot on the Oxjam stage last time out. Since then, they’ve clocked up serious airplay on national radio – ‘It’s Still Love’ earning a nomination for Meteor Choice Music Prize Song Of The Year – and shared stages with the likes of James Bay and Kodaline. It’s been a heck of a 12 months for Ryan and John, so checking back in and seeing just how far they’ve come is certainly something to look forward to.

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SOAK - Saturday
Bridie Monds-Watson began 2015 with an appearance on the BBC’s Sound Of list; mere months before she proved just why. Before We Forgot How To Dream was not merely one of the better homegrown albums of the year, but may well rank among the best records of the year, full stop. The warning shots had been fired long before – singles ‘Blud’ and ‘B a noBody’ whetting appetites in a major way – but the Derry teenager is now well on her way to becoming a star. By the time EP 2016 rolls around, we could be dealing with a global superstar; all the more reason to make sure you don’t miss out this time.

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Roisin Murphy - Saturday
With an eight year gap between albums, there were probably a few double takes when the former Moloko vocalist was one of the first names to appear on the bill. Following the release of Hairless Toys, that surprise gave way to utter delight. The third solo effort from the Wicklow artist is an alt-pop masterpiece, and left us counting down the days until her Stradbally appearance. Expect the weird, the wacky, and the utterly sublime; having kept us waiting, we have no doubt that her return to the Irish festival stage will be nothing short of spellbinding.