radiohoax recommends: The Fringe at Tramlines '25

First up, a quick note as this is a new blog on a platform I've not used before and I'm still working out the kinks - if you're reading this in an email, you may need to click into the post to see the embedded tracks, as it appears they don't pull through.

Housekeeping done, welcome to the second edition of radiohoax's recommendations for this year's Tramlines Fringe events.

Bean Weevil - Sparse anti-folk interspersed with bursts of grunge-pop racket, these disparate elements drawn together by mesmerising vocals and impeccable songcraft.
Playing: 20:00 Sunday at Sidney & Matilda

Cherry Fuzz Club - Scuzzy post-punk-pop, the audio equivalent of Haribo Tangfastics. Pretty much how I imagined it'd sound from the band name, so kudos to them on that.
Playing: 18:45 Saturday at the Frog & Parrot

Junk - Gentle, dreamy soundscapes perfect to chill out with when you need a break from the chaos.
Playing: 17:00 Saturday at Sidney & Matilda and 14:00 Sunday at the Hallamshire Hotel. Haven't decided which I'm going to yet, maybe both.

Precious Metals - Jangly indie tales imbued with unexpectedly dark humour.
Playing: 18:30 Friday at Sidney & Matilda

Cattle Grid - I played violin when I was much younger. If they'd told me then I could be in an expectation-averse punk band instead of classical orchestras, I just might've kept it up.
Playing: Free sets at 23:00 Friday at Record Junkee and 19:00 Saturday at Shakespeares, but I'm probably only gonna catch them tonight at Delicious Clam due to clashes on the other days

I Set The Sea On Fire - Returning after what appears to be a break of nearly six years with a couple singles somewhat noisier than their previous output, it's difficult to know where ISTSOF are going to turn next. I'm keen to find out though...
Playing: 22:00 Saturday at Sidney & Matilda, also an acoustic set earlier that day (15:00) at Hop Hideout in Leah's Yard

SLAP RASH - Shifting dynamics, eerie dissonance and impassioned vocals combine in a driving fury of distorted darkness.
Playing: 22:00 Friday at Alder; the whole day here sounds awesome, but I probably won't make much more of it due to the logistics of powerwalking back and forth across the city

Well that's it! There will obviously be loooooads more worth your time across the weekend, there's tons else I hope to catch - I've had to make some tough decisions, but these are gonna be my priorities and anything else will fit around them.

If you missed the previous posts, check out the first part of my recommendations and the full festival preview. Whoever you end up watching, have a great, music-filled weekend!