AMPED – FLOODHOUNDS - NORTHERN EXPOSURE

Bringing a little bit of much needed estrogen to the Lakefest Amped Stage semi final in Liverpool last month was Sheffield’s indie-punk trio Floodhounds. Fronted by Jack Flynn, Floodhounds is held together by rhythm section Anna Melidone on bass and drummer Lauren Greaves. Having an impressive back catalogue of punchy fuzz driven guitar tunes, these guys are an energetic force of well assembled polished rock songs. Having a bunch of festivals under their belt and having supported the likes of Kid Kapichi, The Blinders and Strange Bonds, this three piece are worth keeping an eye on.

Having made it all the way down the top 25 artists in the Lakefest Amped Stage Competition semi-final (which will see the winning act prized £5K and a place on Lakefest’s main stage line up) Floodhounds unbelievably missed out on a place in the grand finale. Floodhounds will still be found at this summer at the festivals Amped Stage and they told us all about their experience so far.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Savage indie punk.

Shortlisted from 543 artists down to just 25 – how did that feel?

You face a hell of a lot of rejection in this industry, so when you get a win like that, it is a huge boost. Always nice to hear someone is taking notice of what you’re doing, and it’s such an encouragement to know hard work can pay off.

Most competitions have only one winner, were you shocked to find out there was also an opportunity to play the Amped stage?

That was such a nice surprise! We were already over the moon to play a show at The Cavern, as we’re huge Beatles fans and the history of that venue is insane, but then it came loaded up with a slot on the Amped stage? What a result! Can’t wait to play Lakefest, I’ve heard such good things about it, and judging from the vibe amongst the other bands at our semi final, it’s going to be a good laugh.

You are playing the Amped stage – what can festival goers expect from your set?

The second our set starts, our powerhouse on the drums Lauren Greaves will be hammering out our opening call to arms, so people know somethings about to go down, before we jump in, firing some stomping fuzzed-up chaotic rock n roll at the audience, slamming straight into a new track called Skin and Bone, driven by bass player Anna’s outrageously crunchy bass. The rest of the set is catchy indie bangers nestled inside a whirlwind of razor-sharp riffs, rocketing back and forth between tracks loaded with post punk intensity and blistering rock n roll guitar.

Who is one band/artist you want to catch at Lakefest?

It’s got to be Johnny Marr. The Mancunian king of slinky riffs. Johnny was a huge inspiration for me when I was a teenager, I learnt every note he played on those smiths records, and I’ve been desperate to get my hands on a left handed fender jaguar ever since.

Who stood out for you at the semi final?

The Chase definitely stood out, and not just because of the swagger of that snakeskin jacket. But their set was so bouncy and entertaining, I can imagine that going down a storm at the festival.

Of all the bands competing who would you like to see win the prize?

I’d like to see our Yorkshire amigos Walls bring it home!

What else have you got planned as a band this year?

We’re playing Tramlines festival, thanks to BBC Introducing, which is going to be amazing, then new single is coming in September, which for my money is our best song yet, and then after that we’ll be playing some gigs all over the country.

One track of yours that everybody should listen to?

Psychosemantics.