The Subways set to go overground

United Kingdom | by Ross Purdie | 20 January 2005

The Subways emerged as the UK band most likely to conquer Europe this summer, after wowing industry big-wigs and festival bookers at last weekend's Eurosonic showcase event in Holland.

A favourite of Michael Eavis and the winners of Glastonbury's new band competition last year, The Subways look likely to be playing at Worthy Farm again this year, as well as scores of other festivals across Europe, including T In The Park we predict.

Fellow UK act The Go! Team and Irish band Hal also impressed audiences at the four day festival in Groningen, which included representatives from more than 50 European festivals, including Summer Sundae, Roskilde, Oya, Benicassim, and Eurokennes.

Our roving reporter, Amele Younsi, said: "All the festival organisers and other music industry players I talked to agreed that all the bands were entertaining, especially the rock and hip hop acts, although they were not sure they'd found the next Franz Ferdinand, who blew everyone away last year."

More than 150 bands from all over the continent played at Eurosonic, with Sweden's Money Brother, Denmark's The Blue Van, Norway's Thomas Dybdahl, Bulgaria's Wicked A, and French singer Emilie Simon providing the highlights.

A highlight of last year's Glastonbury Festival, The Concretes were also the talk of Groningen, following a stunning performance by the Swedish band. Along with those listed above, expect them to be featured in a fair few UK and European festivals programmes this summer.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Eurosonic Noorderslag Weekend in Groningen.