Pale Waves are brilliant at Reading 2017, obviously

The BBC Introducing stage is Reading's smallest 'official' arena. Sat in the middle of clothing stalls and food vans, the sounds of other, louder bands wash over it's more humble proportions. This is where the newest artists come to prove their mettle. Quite probably the hardest test the festival has to offer, to make an impact here proves a band have something special. Pale Waves have already shown us they've got that by the skip load. As the svengali like Matty Healy watches on from side of stage, they're more than capable of proving it, too. 'Television Romance' might be a solid gold banger, but there's layers to the summer's latest, greatest track. Beneath the ear worm hooks and technicolour joy hides a fragile subtlety beyond the reach of most other bands. 'My Obsession' shows they're more than a one trick pony, while closer 'There's A Honey' remains a true moment. The real marker, though, is that for almost half an hour, they're the only thing that matters. A crowd that usually only stops for a glance before wandering away stands transfixed. Everything else is just background noise. Pale Waves will be back next year. By then, they'll be ready to create true Reading moments. Photos: Ryan Johnston / Dork / /