Five Essential Bands to see at Splendour in the Grass 2012

With the recent mammoth announcement for this year's Splendour in The Grass, there's no doubt that some punters are already planning their list of must-sees and bathing in anxiety over possible timetable clashes.

With this being said, we at Concrete Playground have compiled our list of the five most essential acts to catch at this year's Splendour instalment. Keeping in mind that there's a tonne of bands on the line-up, and we only have space for five, so don't be upset if we haven't included your most respected idols. However, feel free to hurl abuse and/or musical knowledge in the comments section.

Have a look at our picks below. Who knows, you might find your new favourite artist.

1. AT THE DRIVE-IN

While The Mars Volta and Sparta both have their dedicated fanbases, neither group comes close to matching the sheer power of post-hardcore powerhouse At The Drive-In. Minds were blown when the group reformed and appeared on the line-up for this year's Coachella festival, and now Australian fans will also be treated to the live experience. With an abundance of afros, quirky dance moves and furious convulsion-inducing tracks, this will be nothing short of epic. Please, for the love of God, see this band.

2. SMASHING PUMPKINS

If you're still fond of the dreary teenage years that you spent smoking cigarettes and hating "the man," then Smashing Pumpkins will be right up your alley. As one of the biggest alternative bands to hit the nineties, their appearance will undoubtedly draw alot of older, angrier people to Splendour this year. Even if you hate their music, you should go along, stand in the front row and yell multiple quotes from the Simpsons episode that they featured in.

3. THE SHINS

Having appeared on The OC and the roster of the highly-regarded Sup Pop Records, The Shins have become a staple in every hipsters iTunes library. Crafting indie tunes with youthful pop appeal, the sheer catchiness of their catalogue will resonate well with audiences at Splendour. Having just released their fourth album Port of Morrow earlier this year, fans can expect a slice of fresh material as well as old favourites.

4. AZEALIA BANKS

Azealia Banks comes straight outta New York - the same city that produced vicious female emcees like Lil' Kim, Remy Ma and Foxy Brown. Banks has been one of the most hyped artists of 2012, having collaborated with production heroes Major Lazer and gaining recognition on BBC and NME. If you ever need proof that females can spit a verse, catch Banks in her element at Splendour. Alternatively, you could go see Nicki Minaj when she visits in May - but I don't think that's as acceptable.

5. SEEKAE

This electronica trio have been causing significant waves over the past few years, and their inclusion on this year's line-up is indicative of their rising popularity. From their humble beginnings in Sydney's indie scene, they've grown to even be featured on an advertisement for Hyundai. With sounds that are mellow yet strikingly powerful, catch these guys getting real ambient in Byron Bay. Will appeal to chilled fans of instrumental hip-hop and dubstep (whatever that term even means anymore).