Rolla

a group of five men arranged together for what appears to be a band photo against a plain black background. In the foreground is a young man with a blue jacket that has "CHAPS" visible on it. To his left is a man with a thin moustache. Behind them are three other band members - one wearing a black cap and brown jumper, and two wearing sunglasses. The overall aesthetic has a slightly retro feel, with some of the men sporting styling reminiscent of 1990s or early 2000s indie music scenes, including the distinctive haircuts and facial hair. The lighting creates a somewhat moody atmosphere while keeping their faces clearly visible against the dark backdrop. Their serious expressions and positioning suggest this is a promotional photograph for a musical group.

This year’s Vault Hidden Bar headliner Rolla come well recommended by some of Manchester’s muso elites as well as being championed by the likes of Louder Than War. Describing themselves as pure rock and roll and taking influence from the likes of Fontaines DC, The Verve, Twisted Wheel and Idles, the swaggering five-piece are already veterans of the festival circuit including (*deep breath*) Isle of Wight, Y Not?, Rewired, Neighbourhood and The Great Escape. Get your shades on for latest single, It Ain’t Easy, a rollicking romp through the trials and tribulations of growing up in a latter-day Northern town. Fiercely working class, tracks like We Owe You Nothing and What Kid, might not be blurring the boundaries of any guitar rock genres, the likes of Ease My Mind and Hey You at least provide a welcome change of pace and showcase a band who genuinely know their way around their minor chord guitar scales and middle eight melodies; and you better believe the self-assured five-piece will own the Storytellers stage and get everyone at the back dancing on the tables. You gotta Rolla with it. (Steve Spithray)