As Ramblin’ Man Fair prepares for its fifth year, there should be plenty on offer for everyone on the main stages, but if you’re looking for the new talent then here’s a quick run down of what you can expect on the Rising Stage.
Opening proceedings on the Saturday are The Outlaw Orchestra. Ramblin’ Man Fair loves Southern Rock, so these Southampton based rockers are sure to turn a few heads with their own take on things; Bluegrass in the mix and it’ll probably be your only opportunity to see banjos and an upright bass kicking up a storm this weekend.
With a much bluesier influence at the forefront are Rainbreakers. Since being nominated for the Best Emerging Artist at the 2016 British Blues Award, Rainbreakers have been building their reputation on the live circuit and on the back of their debut album ‘Face To Face’. They recently completed a UK tour with Wille & The Bandits, who incidentally open the Outlaw Country Stage on the same day. Expect to see their Free and Humble Pie influences on display.
If Rainbreakers hark back to 60’s and 70’s Blues Rock, then Collateral move things forward to late eighties bombastic West Coast rock. You may well have heard ‘Lullaby’ and ‘Midnight Queen’ on Planet Rock.
Hirsute Sheffield brothers Phil & Tom Goodwin make up the phenomenon that is Cellar Door Moon Crow. A multitude of styles are incorporated into their music which makes trying to pigeon hole them pointless. Simply turn up and enjoy their uniqueness.
Don’t be put off by the peculiar moniker; Dust Bowl Jokies hail from Sweden and deliver no nonsense hard rock mixing 70’s influence rock with more melodic 90’s sleaze rock. They’ve been going for 2 years and have 2 albums under their belts, so expect a slick set. For fans of Poison and LA Guns.
Ryders Creed are a five piece hard rock band from the north Midlands. Signed to Off Yer Rocka Recordings, their Greg Chandler produced debut album is out now. They have been putting the mileage in on the road with headline shows, supports and plenty of festivals. Ramblin’ Man Fair will no doubt see them picking up some more followers.
A somewhat odd choice for headlining Saturday night’s Rising Stage are Grand Slam. Yes, Phillip Lynott’s Grand Slam, made up of original members Laurence Archer and Mark Stanway and with Stefan Berggren handling vocals. Although there seems to be no mention of it on their respective pages. Believe it when it happens.
Sunday
Kent locals Salvation Jayne get to open up the Rising Stage on Sunday. Describing themselves as an alt rock band with a distinctive dirty, dark sound, they play a mix of heavy rock with a hypnotic groove. A six track EP was released at the end of last year and their recent single ‘Cortez’ received support from the BBC Introducing, Kerrang Radio, and dozens more stations in the UK and abroad.
Another band from the Midlands (mostly) hitting the Rising stage are Piston. They have already appeared with various well-respected acts in the industry such as The Temperance Movement and Sebastian Bach and have filled venues throughout the UK with their raw sound and energetic performances. As the most recent addition to the festival line up they’re sure to turn a few heads.
Little Red Kings formed in Norfolk in 2011. In 2016 the band designed and built their own recording studio, as a base to write, rehearse and record. June 2018 saw the release of their eagerly awaited studio album…Callous, a “rootsy-tootsy”, rocking , rolling ,modern take, on a classic rock, rhythm and blues album.
More Midlands rock will be provided at the hands of Gin Annie. The Black Country rockers feature heavy guitar driven songs whilst maintaining a melodic vocal style; hook-laden choruses and classy melodies. Their debut album 100% Proof released on Friday 25th January 2019 through Off Yer Rocka Records.
The 109s are a 4-piece from Hampshire formed in 2013. They play a rock style that combines groove and aggression in equal measures, topped with close harmony vocals. Their album ‘Hollow Point’ is out now.
Previously with UK rockers Pride, Fury On and Colour Of Noise, Matt Mitchell now fronts his own band, Matt Mitchell & The Coldhearts. They released their debut self titled album in May 2019 following the popular singles ‘Black Diamonds’ & ‘Home’.
The Fallen State have a modern rock sound that has seen them suited to support the likes of Tremonti. Their debut album ‘A Deadset Endeavour’ is now available and they have a headline tour lined up for October.
