Castlepalooza is marking a milestone this year; it's been ten years since the festival first rolled into the grounds of Charleville Castle in Co. Offaly. Over the past decade, the festival has become a firm favourite of many an Irish festival-goer and to celebrate their special birthday, we've chosen ten acts that you really shouldn't miss (or which might tempt you to buy a last-minute ticket) next weekend.
In no particular order...
1) FIGHT LIKE APES
The electro-punk-popsters made a triumphant comeback with their long-awaited third album earlier in the year, and are always an entertaining live prospect.
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2) OF MONTREAL
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, this offbeat indie band have a reputation for amazing live shows thanks to unpredictable frontman Kevin Barnes – if nothing else, their songs are mini odysseys and they're a must-see at any festival they play.
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3) HARE SQUEAD
This young African-Irish trio have impressed many with their lyrical maturity – they have plenty of big ideas and could well go on to do big things for the Irish hip-hop scene. Catch them at the early stage of their career - you'll regret missing it.
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4) BENNY SMILES
The man also known as Ross Fortune brings his blissed-out, dreamy electropop to the masses – in the right time slot and with the right weather, this could be beautiful.
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5) CAVE GHOSTS
An enjoyably ramshackle blend of pop, '60s girl group harmonies and indie-rock that's irresistible when it comes to having an oul' boogie. Don't miss 'em.
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6) HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR
One of the bigger names on the bill, you can expect to hear the Andy Butler-led New York group's modern take on disco music in the form of big hits 'Blind' and 'You Belong'. It's gonna be a good 'un.
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7) I HAVE A TRIBE
This guy is definitely one to watch in terms of becoming the Next Big Thing in Irish indie music, having already worked with Conor O'Brien of Villagers (who produced his new song, above). Patrick O'Laoghaire's sweet, lo-fi folk sound is lush and intimate on record; will it translate in the live arena? Only one way to find out.
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8) COLOR//SOUND
Yes, they inexplicably spell their name in the American English form, but we'll let it go. This time. These Dubliners formed at BIMM and if you're a fan of catchy, melody-heavy and harmony-filled indiepop that's easy on the ears and will get your toes tapping, check 'em out.
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9) AEROPLANE
Dance aficionados will be happy to note the presence of Vito De Luca on this year's Castlepalooza bill; the Belgian DJ is all about getting people moving with his 1980s-influenced take on dance and disco. This could be glorious.
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10) FLORENCE OLIVIER
Don't be fooled by the name: Florence Olivier is actually a three-piece electropop band. The Dubliners have been steadily winning friends and influencing people since forming last year and if their new single 'Warriors' is anything to go by, their Castlepalooza set will be one that injects plenty of energy into the crowd.
