Themed Playlists

From humble beginnings in Wakefield, The Cribs have worked the margins of UK rock music to become perhaps Britain’s best-loved cult band. Now ten years in to a highly acclaimed career they have released five albums plus recent greatest hits LP Payola. The inclusion of ex-Smiths man Johnny Marr to their line up between 2008 and 2011 was an unexpected but exciting addition to the rock history books. The band’s achievements were recognised by NME, who awarded them for Outstanding Contribution To Music earlier this year.

Drenge are a two-man noise-rock act from the Peak District near Sheffield. The name comes from a love of obscure Danish cinema but musically they’re a compelling mix of heavy guitars and electronics buoyed along by a keen ear for hooks. The band don’t take themselves too seriously but make no mistake, their music means business. Bloodsports was written on the second hottest day of 2010 and the lyrics were inspired by a bull fighting scene on YouTube. The song stems from that sense of dehydration and claustrophobia.

China Rats have come a long way in just two years, from picking up early fans in the form of the BBC’s Huw Stephens and Tom Robinson through to a recent invasion of SXSW. Like headliners of their Get Dirty night, The Cribs, they come from Yorkshire, in this case Leeds. China Rats plough a different musical furrow though, channeling classic 50s and 60s guitar-pop sensibilities in a resolutely new way, forging irresistible hooks from everyday events.

Ghostface Killah has been doing the rap thing since way back in the early 90s, blasting to prominence in 1993 as part of the now legendary Wu Tang Clan alongside RZA, GZA, ODB, Method Man and more. All of the Wu Tang went on to become successful solo artists and Ghostface is no exception, ploughing his own unique furrow with highly praised storytelling abilities and that inimitable quick-fire, gravelly flow.

Over ten solo LPs, countless mixtapes and collaborations he has cemented his reputation as one of the finest to ever jump on the mic, his work with Doom, as Doomstarks has been amongst his most hotly anticipated and the chance to see the two share a stage is a rare treat for real hip hop fans.

A rapper who has managed to balance uncompromising loyalty to the underground with huge international success. Doom (aka MF Doom) worked the hard road to recognition in the 90s with KMD, and his own solo work as a prolific producer and MC, culminating with the classic Operation Doomsday.

He’s since blown up internationally including albums with Dangermouse and Madlib, plus guest spots with everyone from Gorillaz to Thom Yorke. Listen to his latest track Retarded here.

His debut mixtape Nehruvia showcases Bishop’s phenomenal flows over beats by DJ Premier, J Dilla, Madlib and more.  Born and raised in New York – and taking the name Bishop from Tupac’s character in Juice and Nehru from India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, this hip-hop prodigy is putting a contemporary spin on the classic Golden Era sounds of his hometown.

Gallows haven’t let up since storming in to popular consciousness with 2005’s Orchestra Of Wolves. The title and biting social commentary of the follow up, Grey Britain resonated with the mood of the nation in 2009 and cemented the reputation they still hold as one of the dominant forces in hardcore music.

A line up change in 2011 where Alexisonfire’s Wade MacNeil replaced singer Frank Carter heralded the start of their current era, most recently documented on last year’s Gallows LP. The critically acclaimed album was released on their own Venn Records, giving the band complete creative control.

A pan-European collaboration between Liverpool and Oslo gave birth to Carnival Kids. Sonically they draw inspiration from bands like At The Drive In and Biffy Clyro creating a sound that is both complex and heavy, imbued with the spirit of punk rock. In their short time together they have developed a reputation for intense live shows and The 100 Club should be no exception.

Hoax are a brand new band out of London creating a raw sound that balances a keen ear for melody with aggression and energy. They recently released debut EP New Oceans and now they’ve got it all ahead of them - warming up the stage for Gallows at The 100 Club will be the perfect opportunity to showcase their sound to a packed house. Listen and download the track here.