Brighton’s The Great Escape has been a launchpad for emerging talent for almost two decades, drawing new acts from around the globe to showcase their skills. The festival, often likened to the British equivalent of SXSW, has a history of propelling artists to stardom, with past performers including HAIM, Aitch, Sigrid, and Sunflower Bean.
The 2025 edition of The Great Escape continued this tradition, offering a diverse lineup that catered to every musical taste. Amidst the chaos of queues and scheduling conflicts, attendees were treated to a plethora of performances spanning various genres, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are the standout acts that caught NME’s attention at The Great Escape 2025.
Chloe Qisha, a recent NME cover artist, proved her star power with an electrifying performance at Patterns. Commanding the stage with confidence, she delivered a set filled with pop anthems like ‘A-Game’ and ‘I Lied, I’m Sorry’, captivating the audience with her magnetic presence and flawless delivery.
DellaXOZ’s indie tunes provided a refreshing break from the modern dating woes that plague many festival-goers. With tracks like ‘UnHinged’ and ‘Dating App Hell’, the Bolton musician offered a relatable take on love and relationships, earning accolades for her dreamy yet raw sound.
The buzz surrounding Irish four-piece Florence Road was well-deserved, as they showcased their mature indie-rock sound at The Great Escape. Led by the charismatic Lily Aron, the band drew comparisons to acts like Wolf Alice and Queens Of The Stone Age, leaving a lasting impression with tracks like ‘Figure It Out’ and ‘Heavy’.
Max Baby’s noirish new wave performance at Dust set the stage for a night of dark allure and gritty energy. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Julian Casablancas, the Parisian artist captivated the audience with tracks like ‘Trouble’ and ‘Nothing Ever Changes’, showcasing his versatility and stage presence.
Nadia Kadek’s poignant storytelling and emotive vocals left festival-goers spellbound, with her performance at The Great Escape resonating deeply with the audience. Despite being a newcomer without official releases, the British-Indonesian singer-songwriter’s set, highlighted by the moving ‘Fathers’, showcased her immense talent and potential.
Sex Mask brought Melbourne punk to the Patterns stage, delivering a high-octane performance that left a lasting impression. Frontman Wry Gray’s raw energy and dynamic stage presence, backed by the solid foundation of Vicente Moncada and Kaya Martin, solidified the band’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the punk scene.
Silver Gore’s infectious alt-folk sound charmed the audience at The Great Escape, with tracks like ‘A Scar’s Length’ showcasing the duo’s whimsical yet poignant songwriting. Ava Gore’s ethereal vocals and the band’s eclectic instrumentation created a magical atmosphere, promising a bright future for the London duo.
The Itch’s indie-electro fusion demanded attention, with their dynamic sound and electrifying stage presence captivating the late-night crowd. Drawing influences from iconic acts like New Order and LCD Soundsystem, the duo’s set, featuring singles like ‘The Influencer’ and ‘Co-Conspirator’, created a hedonistic yet thought-provoking musical experience.
Manchester’s Westside Cowboy closed out the festival with a bang, exuding infectious energy and charisma on stage. Their blend of Americana and slacker rock, combined with a palpable sense of fun, resonated with the audience, solidifying their status as an act to watch in the music scene.
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