Hi again! The 5 biggest comebacks of 2012

The returns that will shake up the festival scene

Fiona Madden - 16 January 2012

Maybe it’s the prospect of the world coming to an end this year that has brought a lot of our most loved artists back out of the woodwork, or maybe 2012 is just set to be a year of classic music. Either way we’re not complaining because, along with headline material like The Killers, Madonna (perhaps - Ed.) and The Stone Roses knocking about, a lot of our festival favourite’s are releasing new music and gearing up for gig and festival sets.

Luckily, Judgement Day 2012 is not set to take place until 21 December so we have time to fit in some great music before we go out with a bang.

Here’s a pick of just five acts we are looking forward to seeing back on the scene:


Dizzee Rascal
The rapper took a step back in 2011 from his usually hectic and eventful career after re-releasing a deluxe edition of his fourth album ‘Tongue n’ Cheek’ in 2010 before announcing his return with a free mixtape on New Year’s day. A veteran on the festival circuit, he did make a cheeky appearance with a show-stopping performance at V Festival last year, complete with an impressive light and laser show. Having signed a new record deal with Universal Music, the rapper has promised that this year will see him producing another album, as well as a follow-up mixtape, and a definite return to touring for us all to look forward to.


The Maccabees
After enjoying a short hiatus since their last release, these modest indie lads return with a new album, ‘Given to the Wild’, tipped to (finally!) knock Adele from the top of the charts. A end of summer appearance at Bestival showed that their new material can hold its own live and with critical acclaim already garnered, this could very well be the year of The Maccabees.


Florence and The Machine
Ever since Florence Welch exploded on to the scene with her quirky style and larger than life vocals with backing band The Machine, she has rocketed to success. Her second album has already gone platinum and her first, ‘Lungs’, reached that status five times over in the UK alone. It will be interesting to see how she balances the two when live at festivals, but with recent shows described as “amazing”, there shouldn’t be too much concern.


The XX
Remember when this (now) trio, who all met at school, were all everyone was talking about? Well, that may just be the case again. The guys have been away working on their second album since November and after the success of their Mercury Award winning debut, which held its own on style and sound, there is anticipation around what sounds they will come up with next. Last month they released a demo, ‘Open Eyes’, to give fans a wee taste of what’s in store. Jamie xx has said that he would like the album to be finished in time to be invited to festivals and they are already confirmed to play the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona this year.


Mumford and Sons
Who would have thought a group of young West Londoners playing folk music would reach out and take the world by barnstorm? It’s comic book stuff. They flourished in 2010/11, picking up awards and trotting around the world, and after completing their tour of America in the summer of last year, the boys came home to finish work on their second album which should be out this year. Festival performances will follow in what may just be the hottest comeback of 2012.

Which returns are you most looking forward to seeing? Leave your comments below or head to the forums to discuss.

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