When it comes to writing a list of favourite one day festivals, Ritual Union may well be top of the list. There’s nothing to suggest that’s going to change based on the line-up for the 2026 edition, so as is traditional from One Big House (this is the 4th Ritual Union we’ve previewed) here are a few recommendations and suggestions to ease you through the day.
Without a doubt, one of the best LPs of this year to date has been ‘Cursed Frame’ by Another Country $$$$ and we’ve been playing it loads on the Dandelion Radio show. Atmospheric, dark electronica, slightly trip-hoppy, dance orientated toe tappers. Don’t expect any pop though, this is sophisticated and classy. An absolute must watch. It’s in the wonderful Strange Brew at 230.
Another band we’ve played on the show is Most Things who deliver angular (bass) guitar and an off-centre post punk vibe. As a duo, they push the boundaries to the max but don’t over complicate the sound – it’s up tempo and hardworking but we don’t hear the oversale of the ‘indie pop’ bands. It’s been a while since they issued new music so could be a great opportunity to be the first to hear what’s in the pipeline. They play Rough Trade at 3.
We had the pleasure of seeing the excellent Nobody’s Dad (above) at the Lanes a few weeks ago and since then we understand they have been picking up some 6Music airplay too. Chiming guitars occupy some tunes about love and relationships. But there’s also pounding drums and songs with a grungier sound too. They reference the Smashing Pumpkins and the Breeders, so clearly a band with an excellent record collection too. Upstairs in Electric (at Electric 2) at 145.
There will be some gentle and thoughtful moments from the fantastic Pina Palau and you’ll immerse yourself in the words and the stories. Guitars will be strummed, and we’ll be hooked and we’ll cherish the moment. There won’t be any jumping up and down. Be prepared to swoon and be captivated in Rough Trade at 1.
Headlining at Rough Trade will be thistle. who will bend and twist their guitars in a magnificent cacophony of noise. We saw the phrase ‘heavy gaze’ recently and that is pretty apt for this band. There will be no nonsense or bullshit here, but there will be a buzzy and honest sound to send you off at the end of the evening. On stage at 9.
Look out the second part of our Ritual Union Lookahead published Wed 25th!
One Big House broadcasts on http://www.dandelionradio.com
You can check the schedule and stream the show or listen to it anytime on Mixcloud
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