Camden Rocks Festival: Preview: Bands You Need To See...

As Camden Rocks Festival 2014 draws nearer, Dan Stoten takes you through the huge line-up, picking out just a handful of the bands you need to go and see...

Band: The Subways
Stage / Venue: Electric Ballroom
Genre: Rock
A brilliant headline act, The Subways are returning to stages across the UK in 2014 after working on their fourth album and touring on the continent across 2013. The Hertfordshire trio have played some of the country's biggest festivals, and this experience will undoubtedly shine through during their Camden Rocks set. An incendiary live proposition, Rock and Roll Queen is guaranteed to tear the roof off the venue...

Band: Hacktivist
Stage / Venue: tbc
Genre: Hip-hop / metal
We've been avid supporters of Hacktivist since we saw them for the first time at 2013's Warped Tour. They're a band with genuine passion for their unique sound, and are one of the most violently exceptional live acts on the circuit right now. 2014 has been a massive year so far for them, having toured with Korn and played at Soundwave in Australia. Go and see them, you will not regret it.

Band: Sonic Boom 6
Stage / Venue: tbc
Genre: Punk / Hip-hop / Reggae
Manchester's prime genre-terrorists have been working on their fifth album over the past months, having been displaying a teaser of new material live since last year's Warped Tour. Guaranteeing a hugely energetic performance with plenty of crowd participation, Sonic Boom 6 will offer something for new and old fans, combining their classics such as Piggy In The Middle with new material. A genuinely exceptional and unique band, they're not to be missed.

Band: Blitz Kids
Stage / Venue: 
Genre: Rock
Having recently released The Good Youth and announced an October tour with Deaf Havana, here is another band at the top of their game. They're a band who always impress at every performance, with their accessible, catchy rock sound. Having matured hugely as musicians recently, once again this is a show not to be missed.

Band: Gnarwolves
Stage / Venue: tbc
Genre: Punk
This is a set any punk fans should not, and will not, be missing. A star hugely in the ascendency, Gnarwolves have been growing and growing in stature over the past six months, with legions of dedicated fans following them religiously. Live, they're a stunning band, delivering huge amounts of energy and aggression through their gruff-punk style. Go see them and be converted.

Band: Baby Godzilla
Stage / Venue: tbc
Genre: Rock / Metal / Thrash
One of the standout performers at this year's Takedown Festival, Baby Godzilla have deservedly earned their reputation as a brilliant live band. In the process of recording an album, these Nottingham rockers will tear your ears off but leave you begging for more...

Band: Crazy Arm
Stage / Venue: Black Heart
Genre: Punk
Political punks Crazy Arm, having recently completed a UK tour and played a triumphant set at Groezrock, will be playing the Black Heart at Camden Rocks. Still one of the most underrated bands on the circuit, their live performances are always high energy, with the band putting everything they have into their show. Expect to be blow away.

Band: Bleach Blood
Stage / Venue: The Monarch
Genre: Dance Punk
We're big fans of Bleach Blood, having worked with them a number of times over the past year. Any readers of Jamie's tour diary published exclusively through The Punk Archive earlier this year will know what to expect. Supremely talented and with a rare songwriting ability, Bleach Blood return to Camden Rocks to blow the roof off once more...

Band: Electric River
Stage / Venue: The Enterprise
Genre: Punk
Any band touring with the legendary Lit is a band not to be missed, and a band who have that something special. Electric River are one of those bands. Having bubbled away for a few years now, they're now reaching boiling point: reflected in their headlining slot at Camden Rocks. Massively catchy, hugely passionate and brilliantly written, their songs and lyrics will not disappoint.

Band: Attention Thieves
Stage / Venue: The Enterprise
Genre: Rock
Another of the new generation of UK melodic rockers, Attention Thieves have a harder edge which differentiates them from the crowd. Soaring choruses and riffs aplenty, they'll appeal to rock, metal and punk fans alike. They'll be on early so start your day with a bang!

Band: Colt 45
Stage / Venue: tbc
Genre: Rock
The Cumbrian rockers return to Camden Rocks after really making a mark at last year's show. Having recently spoken to The Punk Archive about their debut album (due out in July - http://thepunkarchive.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/interview-colt-45.html), their punk and rock'n'roll tinged sound will go down brilliantly again at this year's festival. Not one to be missed.

Band: Under The Influence
Stage / Venue: The Punk Archive Stage, The Good Mixer
Genre: Rock / Hip-hop
Playing The Punk Archive Stage at The Good Mixer are Under The Influence, a band splicing together hip-hop and rock to brilliant effect. With their new album due for release later this year, and video for Sixth Sense landing recently, they promise to deliver an energetic and unique set which will get everyone moving...

Band: Ugly Love
Stage / Venue: tbc 
Genre: Rock
Another band on a high after Takedown Festival 2014, Ugly Love claim to create "rock music for the weird and horny". Fast gaining a reputation as a fun and remarkable live act, lead singer Tom Adolph has the stage presence of many more experienced bands. 2014 is shaping up well for the band: make sure you check them out, it'll be a set you won't forget...

Band: Riskee and the Ridicule
Stage / Venue: The Punk Archive Stage, The Good Mixer
Genre: Ska-punk / rap
One of the best bands on the UK Underground punk scene, Riskee and the Ridicule are a band we've been hearing about for a good few months now. We're delighted to have them on our stage at Camden Rocks, and can't wait to hear their unique and upbeat sound live. With a similar style and ethos to many popular UK punk bands (think Sonic Boom Six, Imperial Leisure and The Skints), this is a band who have all the right ingredients for success. Catch them now on their way to the top...

Band: The Talks
Stage / Venue: The Punk Archive Stage, The Good Mixer
Genre: Ska-punk
What our writer called "bouncy awesomeness", we're delighted to have Hull ska-punks The Talks on The Punk Archive stage. Their old-school ska-punk sound, heavily influenced by two-tone, will undoubtedly set The Good Mixer off!