BRIGADE - Double A Side – Sink, Sink, Swim/Stunning

Fresh from a UK tour, British rockers Brigade release double A side Sink, Sink, Swim and Stunning. Their second album Come Morning We Fight has drawn praise from press and punters alike, and the band drew a large crowd at this years Download festival.

Sink, Sink, Swim features solid guitars and drums and stays on the melodic side of heavy, which won’t intimidate the casual listener. Stunning follows the same pattern, and sounds a little like Foo Fighters.

SCARS ON BROADWAY - They Say

Scars On Broadway are a relatively new band formed by Daron Malakian and John Dolmayan from System Of A Down. Their motivation for forming a new band was to feel the excitement about their music again and feel the buzz when a new song is played on the radio for the first time.

They Say is a heavy affair, although the driving guitars, pounding drums and vocals feel a bit formulaic to me. However, if you are a fan of this genre, you may already be a fan, or if not, I’m sure their debut album, eponymously titled, will have plenty to offer.

ELLIOT MINOR - Time After Time

Elliot Minor have been making a name for themselves in the UK of late, including a live set for Radio 1 and achieving a top ten album. They have recently completed an extensive tour this summer, including performing at some prestigious festivals. Their live shows often include a full orchestra.

Time After Time is a poppy affair, with guitars, piano and vocal harmonies, in a similar vein to the likes of McFly, but with the odd orchestrated embellishment.

Elliot Minor are not resting on their laurels and are setting out on another UK tour this autumn, including Northumbria University on Friday 7th November.

LEONA NAESS - Heavy Like Sunday

Leona Naess hails from New York and her debut single, Heavy Like Sunday is released on newly founded Blue Flowers Records.

Heavy Like Sunday comes from Naess’ new album Thirteens, which will be released shortly. Naess was starting to make a name for herself after the release of her debut album when she decided to shun the limelight for a while to deal with a family tragedy.

Her voice has a fragile quality, which has been compared to the likes of Feist, and Heavy Like Sunday showcases it perfectly, accompanied by acoustic guitar, drums and piano. It is a beautiful, gentle song, which leaves you humming it long after its finished.

MORRISSEY - All You Need Is Me

'All You Need Is Me' is taken from Morrissey’s forthcoming album which is due for release in the Autumn. The singer has been roadtesting some of his new material in recent months and play 'All You Need Is Me' on his recent appearance on Later…with Jools Holland.

The track features dramatic guitars and vocals, in typical Morrissey style, and Morrissey is telling a lover that they keep moaning, yet never leave, because he’s all they need. The song tells a story, which has always been prescient in Morrissey’s lyrics, and as usual, they can be cutting. The single has been receiving plenty of radio play and appears to confirm that the man himself still has a place in the hearts of the nation.

DUFFY - Warwick Avenue

Duffy recently played the Newcastle Evolution festival and many of those who saw her, like me, thought she was great. Her voiced pierced the air and struck a chord with those listening. She has been compared to some of the best singers of the past and you can understand why.

Warwick Avenue is taken from Duffy’s debut album Rockferry and you may already be familiar with it. The track itself features those mellifluous vocals set against laid-back drums, cello and strings, building slightly and falling back, giving emotion and depth. It is one of those records you reach for on a Sunday morning.

THE FUTUREHEADS - Radio Heart

Radio Heart is the second single taken from The Futureheads third album, This Is Not The World. The band themselves have recently been out on the road with the MTV Spanking New Tour and have played a number of sold-out headlining gigs across the country.

The track features those signature sharp guitars and drums and vocal harmonies. It is a catchy radio-friendly track, one of the highlights from the album. It is short, sharp and punchy and sticks in your head once you’ve heard it.

The Futureheads are heading across Europe to play some gigs and festivals and are booked to appear at the prestigious Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

I look forward to the day when there’s a blue plaque outside The Ivy House, which reads ‘The Futureheads supped here’.

THE GETAWAY TEAM - Lost All Hope

The Getaway Team hail from Guildford and have recently signed to Easy Tiger records. The band formed whilst at The Academy of Contemporary Music and have been attracting attention for their brand of indie-pop, including getting airplay from XFM.

Lost All Hope is taken from their forthcoming EP Haven’t You Heard and the tracks are all up-beat, poppy and incredibly catchy, in a similar vein to The Kooks. They feature guitars, drums and vocal harmonies, which for me, work well.

The band are currently playing gigs across the UK and based on what I’ve heard so far, could be destined for better things.

SIOUXSIE - About To Happen

Sioiuxsie has attracted a large number of plaudits for her debut solo album Mantaray and won over a legion of new fans.

About To Happen is the third single taken from the album and is released to coincide with the end of short UK tour. It features dramatic drums and guitars, which drive the song forward, and of course, Siouxsie’s wonderful vocals. It is the sort of track that you hear on the radio and spend the rest of the day humming it.

REVEREND and the MAKERS -
Sundown On The Empire (Adrian Sherwood Remix)

Sundown On The Empire is taken from the Reverend’s debut album The State Of Things. The remix has given the track a laid back, almost calypso feel, and is very good.

There are little electronic embellishments throughout and little vocal lilts, whilst Jon McClure’s vocal sounds perfect. There are remixes of 18-30 and The Machine on the B-sides which all add to the original tracks.

The band will be playing numerous festivals throughout the summer, including Glastonbury and T in the Park and promise new material next year.

KATE NASH - Merry Happy

Merry Happy is a limited release, with only 1,000 copies available on each format. Nash herself has recently been in the States where her debut album has been selling well. She returns to the UK for some more shows and is playing a few festivals, including Newcastle Evolution and the Isle of Wight.

Merry Happy is typical Kate Nash, with poignant lyrics set against a melodic piano. It tells the tale of someone bouncing back from relationship problems and includes the lines ‘dancing at discos, eating cheese on toast, yeah you made me happy, but you didn’t want to stick around’.

Doubtless, it will build on her considerable, and well deserved, success and will receive generous radio play. AC

VOODOO SIX - Faith

Voodoo Six are a hard rock band in thrall to the music produced in the late 70’s/early 80’s. The various members of the band have played with the likes of Iron Maiden and Dio, so you know what to expect from the forthcoming debut album, First Hit For Free.

Faith features those clashing guitar riffs and crashing drums, and the singer sounds he could front many of the bands they have toured with.

THE SECRET HANDSHAKE - Gamegirl

The Secret Handshake is Luis Dubuc, who hails from Dallas, and fell in love with music at the age of fourteen. Gamegirl is taken from his debut album, One Full Year, which is due out in the UK in the summer.

The music Dubuc fell in love with from the Canadian dance music scene has influenced, unsurprisingly, the music he makes today, which could be described as indie/dance. Gamegirl features beats and swirls and vocodered vocals and it sounds like Daft Punk with a slightly harder edge.

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO - Clock EP

Simian Mobile Disco are in demand as re-mixers and producers and follow up their successful debut album with this EP of new material.

Title track Clock has an 80’s feel to it, featuring electronic beats and synths. Simple sounds a little like a TV theme tune with low-key beats and bleeps. 3 Pin Din has elements of acid house thrown into the mix, and you can easily imagine it going down a storm at a festival.

Final track, State Of Things, is excellent, featuring those sounds that brought Simian Mobile Disco to the fore. It reminded a little of a 70’s TV science soundtrack which showed us those early computers. Having recently completed a small tour of the UK, and the emergence of new material, the future looks bright for Simian Mobile Disco.

THE SONIC HEARTS - To Be Someone

The Sonic Hearts release their debut album Sunrise shortly and have been on the road supporting the like of Amy McDonald, as well as performing their own headline shows.

To Be Someone is a catchy, melodic affair, with Sean Franci Butler’s vocals sounding a little like John Power. The track itself is the usual mix of indie-pop guitars and drums and having enjoyed seeing them live last year, I’m looking forward to listening to their album.

POP LEVI - Never Never Love

Pop Levi releases his second album in July and if it’s as good as the first, well, that’s fine by me.

Judging by this first single, and title track, from the album, he’s bang on course. The track is a funky, electronic and catchy. It sounds like a straight ahead pop song, which has been toyed with, with the addition of beats and synths, making it sound lo-fi, yet fresh.

BLACK TIDE - Shockwave

Shockwaves is the opening track from Black Tide’s new album Light From Above. The band follow in the footsteps of other heavy metal groups and were asked to open each day of Ozzfest in 2007.

They have recently played a few shows in the UK and the although the band members are still all in their teens, they play in a style similar those bands who were huge in the 70s/80’s. The track has those familiar heavy, driving, guitars, drums and vocals, and if you’re a fan of AC/DC or Iron Maiden, you may just enjoy Black Tide.

THE WHIP - Trash

The Whip have recently been supporting Simian Mobile Disco on their UK tour and are setting out on their own headlining trip throughout March.

The band themselves are from Manchester and Trash was originally released in 2006. It is the track the band close their sets with and is incredibly popular with their thronging audience, featuring, as it does, driving bass and drums, mixed with synths and heady vocals.

KT TUNSTALL - If Only

KT Tunstall has again been nominated for Best Female at the forthcoming Brit awards. If Only is taken from her highly acclaimed and successful second album Drastic Fantastic, which is rapidly reaching the sort of sales achieved by her debut. It even made top ten in America, which is no mean feat.

The track itself will doubtless receive plenty of radio play and is the usual KT Tunstall fare, being melodic and uplifting and featuring her wonderful vocals and guitar.

HOLLY ROSE - I Don’t Care

I Don’t Care is the debut single by the beautiful Holly Rose. She’s 24 years young and is from Hertfordshire and has just recorded her debut album, Apple, at Abbey Road studios. The album is due for release later in the year.

I Don’t Care is a lilting, calypso style number, with Holly’s vocal drifting over the top. She cites Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse among her influences and you can definitely hear them in this wonderful track.

LOS CAMPESINOS - Death To Los Campesinos

They met at the city’s venerable University and have been building quite a name for themselves over the past year or so.

The track itself is very radio friendly, featuring catchy guitars and vocals, set against a very danceable backdrop. It has a naïve feel, but in a positive, affirmative way i.e. people who love music and having a good time. It’s one of those tracks that get your foot tapping straight away.

THE HIVES - We Rule The World (T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.)

'We rule the World' is taken from The Black And White Album and was produced by Pharrell Williams. Williams’s touch brings the pace down a notch or two and adds funky bass-line, which is a slight departure for The Hives from their usual frenetic pace.

The track is catchy and draws you in for further listens. It also leads you to think what other Hives tracks can get benefit from a hip-hop makeover.

The single features a remix by Matt Helders from The Arctic Monkeys, which has an electro feel and shows The Hives are seeking to expand their horizons.

THE CRIBS - I’m a Realist

The Cribs are back with melodic track I’m a Realist.  They finished on a high last year with their three day residency at Leeds Brundenell Social Club where they SUPPORTED by acts such as Franz Ferdinand, Kate Nash and Kaiser Chiefs.

They last track didn’t do anything for me but this one is a lot more pleasing to the ear.  An easy going pop track which has a 50’s feel to it.  You’ll have to be quick if you want to catch them live as they have already sold out dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds.

CAZALS - Life is Boring

Recently signed to French label Kitsune, Cazals impressed them so much that they decided to waver their strict policy on ‘electronic music only’ releases.  Bursting with mean riffs and a husky voice to match, Life is Boring is anything but boring.

THE LINES - Domino Effect

The Lines are a four piece from Wolverhampton and news of their sound has travelled fast.  Once they sold out their local shows, bands such as Editors, The Twang, Babyshambles, Little Man Tate and The Maccabees were calling on them to support their gigs.

It’s no wonder.  This single is a corker!  It starts out sounding like the latest release from Snow Patrol then turns into something different altogether.  It rips into the chorus which is familiar, but not in a repetitive sense.  The guitars are filled with energy and complimented with Alex’s commanding voice.

VINCENT VINCENT AND THE VILLAINS - Pretty girl

Rock ‘n’ calypso could be the way forward if Vincent Vincent and the Villains have anything to do with it.  A welcome ray of sunshine to get you through those bleak winter days.  This is an instant winner.  I want to jump up and dance and can imagine myself doing so the next time I stumble upon it when I’m out.  The funky drums and distinctive bass line make this track stand out.

MORRISSEY - That’s How People Grow Up

Those of you lucky enough to catch Morrissey at the Sunderland Empire recently will no doubt be familiar with this track. It is the token new song added to his greatest hits collection, which spans his entire career, not just his recent success.

The track was recorded in Texas with Jerry Finn, who is currently working with Morrissey on his new album, which is slated for release later this year. It song itself is typical Morrissey, with lyrics about love and yearning, backed by a great guitars.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD - Afterlife

Now not being the biggest fan of this band, I could take this opportunity to shit all over this track…however that would make for a very one sided review…So here goes ‘Afterlife’ is the 3rd single taken from their self titled 2007 album and apparently was voted the “best song of the new album” on the band’s website and while I can’t vouch for this claim I can definitely say its the best AV7 song I’ve ever heard.

It gallops along quite nicely very reminiscent of Iron Maiden in places, and has a catchy stomp to it. The chorus refrain of “I don’t belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife” while being horribly triteis pretty catchy and you can imagine it being belted out in stadiums across the land. M.Shadows vocals have always been a bit of a sticking point for me..in fact truth be told I thought his vocals where just appalling but actually vocally this track is very strong and he hits some pretty good notes ,especially on the aforementioned chorus. BUT…

It’s all just a bit *yawn* really. The track contains the same tired guitar riff and song structure they seem to have been peddling throughout their career. It also contains one of the most pointless guitar solos ever, its inclusion I’m sure was just an excuse for the guitarist to get his head down, crank it to 11 and widdle about for 45 seconds. Its like they almost said “hmmm,shall we insert a solo around the 3 minute mark..yeah why not ?!” And don’t get me started on the banal lyrics..”Give me a chance to be that person I wanna be,Oh Lord I’ll try so hard but you gotta let go of me”, come on guyseven ‘Creed’ wouldn’t have the balls to put that in a song !

CAGE THE ELEPHANT - In One Ear

Kentucky based Cage The Elephant are becoming as known for their on stage fights as they are for their riotous music.

In One Ear is a straight up rock ‘n’ roll track, with heavy guitars and drums and a bass line which anchors the whole thing. Their live shows are attracting attention and they are building themselves a solid fanbase.

After having played support shows for the past year, the band are ready to step out on their own and will be announcing some headline shows soon.

MAN FROM MICHAEL - Heart of Glue

Front man Joe McDonnell’s lyrical writings started at the age of 16 when he was left broken hearted.  A sad tale of a lost love when his then girlfriend simply disappeared from his life forever.  Having a hard time at home she moved in with Joe then one day vanished, and he’s never seen her since. Having to deal with, as they describe, “bad things beginning with the letter D” these include deaths, depression, divorce & drugs, have brought them together as a “family”.

Heart of Glue is a melody filled tune with lyrics of their past.  Obviously not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves the tracks are by no means chilled.  There are hooks a plenty and a drum repetition which is constant throughout the track.

GOLDFRAPP - ‘A&E’  

This new track from Goldfrapp is the latest offering to the people of Britain.  Known for their impeccable styles of music ‘A&E’ takes a slightly different approach.

Gone are the funky, edgy electro samples and out comes a beautiful melodic taste sensation for the ears.  I’ve always loved Alison Goldfrapp’s voice and even though I prefer their more up-tempo tracks, it’s hard not to get swept away in the surrealism of the moment.

GALLOWS -
Just Because You sleep next to me doesn’t mean you’re safe

2007 was defiantly the year of Gallows.  With a new year along comes their new single (which I can’t be bothered to type again!).  Currently storming (quite literally) through America they are back in Britain for another tour mid Feb. 

Their latest infusion of punk rock is sure to be a crowd pleaser but doesn’t bode well with me.  They must be doing something right as last year they pulled in the crowds at Reading & Leeds and Download festival.

HOT CHIP - Ready For The Floor

More radio friendly than dance floor filler.  Either way Hot Chip manage to keep their listeners entertained with interesting lyrics and music that literally makes your body want to pop!

Their innovative videos pair magically with each track, as I’m sure their latest offering will having teamed up yet again with director Nima Nourizadeh.  ‘Over and Over’ was easily one of my favourite tracks from 2005 and this one will go down a treat with fans.

YOUNG KNIVES - Up All Night 

Following their single Terra Firma the Young Knives have stormed into 2008 with their latest offering, Up All Night.  This track is essentially about the people they’ve met on their rise to the top and how drug induced media types live up the tales we hear in the tabloids.

Filled with killer riffs and a catchy chorus, they fill your ears with truth from the trade.  This is a hint of what’s to come with the release of their second album Superabundance, due out March 10th.

DAVE GAHAN - Saw Something / Deeper + Deeper

Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan has proved that not only can he front an iconic band, but also that he can hold his own as a solo artist.  His debut LP, Hourglass was a huge success across Europe reaching as high as Number 2 in the charts.

Saw Something is a beautifully composed track complete with poignant vocals.  The electronic riffs and synths amplify the songs uplifting feel when listening to it.

Deeper + Deeper is an all-together different track with edgier beats and a much more raw approach.  Noted as saying, “I had to stand three feet from the mic when recording it – I was just screaming it out.  It’s very animalistic”, it’s easy to understand why.

THE REFRESHERS - School Days

The Refreshers are a local band, coming as they do, from Newcastle. They are at present unsigned, but are slowly building up a loyal following.

'School Days' is an up-beat number with jangly guitars and is very catchy. The other tracks I heard include 'Walking on Eggshells', which again features a nice guitar line and 'Sad Mans Corner', which is slower affair featuring just vocal and acoustic guitar.

The band are playing Pure in Sunderland on Wednesday 30 January and Bernaccia in Newcastle on Monday 18th February so catch them, and be one of those people who, in a few years time, will be boasting that you saw them before they were big.

THE LITTLE ONES - Ordinary song

Hailing from California, Ed, Lee, Brian, Ian and David are The Little Ones.  Having already played Glastonbury and Leeds/Reading in 2007 these guys have already built up quite a following.  So with their current tour pending with their friends the Kaiser Chiefs, their popularity can only go onwards and upwards.

‘Ordinary Song’ is a perky little ditty with laidback harmonies.  If you’re into the Coral then this song is not too far away from their sound.  Their debut album ‘Morning Tide’ promises fresh, bold pop songs but if you can’t wait for that be sure to get a hold of their cover of ‘Everything Is Average Our Days’.

YOU ME AT SIX - Save It For The Bedroom

You Me At Six are a five piece who hail from Weybridge in Surrey. Despite only forming in 2005 they were nominated for Best British Newcomer at last years Kerrang Awards.

The band are a mix of emo and pop/punk, and this track is typical of that genre, being an up-tempo, guitar and drums driven number. The vocals are again typical, but if you’re a fan of the genre, you will enjoy this.

DAWN KINNARD - Devil’s Flame

Dawn Kinnard is a singer/songwriter from Pennsylvania and was ‘discovered’ whilst playing gigs around Nashville. Her debut single Devil’s Flame is taken from her debut album Pearl which is due for release on Monday 11 February ’08.

The single features Dawn’s delicate sounding vocal and great instrumentation, which lend it a haunted and dramatic feel. It is the sort of record that may get played on the radio during the evening. B-side, Fortuneteller, again features great instrumentation, including a lovely Hammond organ in the middle, and those delicate, haunting vocals and is a sparser affair.

This debut has certainly whetted my appetite and I would like to see her in a live setting. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, she has no gigs planned for the North East.

CURE THE DISASTER - I Don’t Care

Boasting over 200 live performances combined, this 5 piece from Southampton defiantly do not lack passion. They describe themselves as a rock/indie/punk band, so surely there is something for everyone…

I was expecting something really hardcore and rough so imagine my surprise when I hear catchy lyrics, rip roaring riffs and a fairly polished a demo.  This completed with a hint of Emo (not usually my thing but it works) and quality uncomplicated lyrics could be the song to get them signed.  Yeah they need a bit of work but they could be really successful with the right influence.

THE ELECTRIC CITY - Dark Skies

The Electric City are a four piece with their roots in London and Ibiza, and having supported some big names over the last year, including The Who, they release their new download single Dark Skies.

The track features a scuzzy rock guitar mixed with synths and driving beats. The result is an instantly catchy, sleazy and danceable rock/dance crossover, sounding not unlike a slightly heavier Kasabian.

If this sounds right up your street, you can check them out at www.theelectriccity.co.uk

BLACK KIDS - I’m Not Gonna Tell Your Boyfriend

A playground affair.  This is how I would describe this track to someone.  Sounding spookily like Robert Smith this track is infused with choir like backing vocals and funky lyrics.  A very playful and fun track that makes me want to hear more.

You can imagine this on an 80’s film soundtrack!  The group are from Jacksonville, Florida and have had press coverage in NME and are embarking on a mammoth tour of the UK.

MAROON 5 - Won’t Go Home Without You

Maroon 5’s debut album sold over ten million copies worldwide, including two million here in the UK. Some people have a lot to answer for.

Won’t Go Home Without You is the third single taken from their second album and is just as formulaic as the rest. However, it’s a formula that has worked for them.

THE RIFLES - Talking

The Rifles are due to release their second album in Spring 2008, following on from their debut ‘No Love Lost’. The four piece have been slowly building up a strong loyal fanbase and are always a popular live attraction.

To proceed their new album, the band have made this new track available to download. It sounds like a typical Rifles track, with driving guitars and drums and feeding on their collective influences.

The Rifles are playing across the UK in March ’08 and you can catch them at the Newcastle Academy on Thursday 20th.

IAN BROWN - Sister Rose

Sister Rose is the second track taken from Ian Brown’s fifth album The World Is Yours. It features ex Sex Pistols Steve Jones and Paul Cook on guitar and drums, which drive the song along. Over the prominent drums and guitars is Brown’s vocal.

The track is similar to the style we have become accustomed to with Ian Brown and is already a live favourite, which is unsurprising, as it is radio friendly, and in the style Keep What Ya Got, from Solarized.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE - Make It Wit Chu

Make It Wit Chu is the second single to be taken from the new Queens Of The Stone Age album Era Vulgaris. The band have also delighted fans by touring the UK for the first time in four years, but unfortunately having to postpone the gig at the Newcastle Academy due to illness.

DAEDELUS - Fair Weather Friends EP

Daedelus, or Alfred Darlington to his mum, hails from Los Angeles and is known for making baroque style music. On this EP however, things take a turn for the dance floor.

Track 1 is called Fair Weather Friends and chugs along with electronic beats, handclaps and a female vocal. It sounds a little like the Go Team, with the vocal teaslingly saying ‘when the weather gets warm, we have the same things on our minds as you boys do’, which is a play on the saying ‘when the weather turns to spring, a young man’s thoughts turn to fancy’.

My Beau features heavier synths, backed with beats. The vocal sounds a little like Janet Jackson from the 80’s. The darker, heavier beats continue with Hermitage, which is an instrumental, and blends in dance friendly hi-hats.

Next up is El Subidon, which is instrumental and features faster drums and synths, sounding not unlike a ‘rave’ track from the 80’s. The EP draws to a close with Bonjour, which has dance beats with heavier synth sounds, casio style melody and vocals floating over the top.

SIOUXSIE - Here Comes That Day

Siouxsie recently turned fifty, got divorced and released her debut solo album – what a year. She continues to a beacon for strong, stylish and sexy people everywhere.

Here Comes That Day is the second single to be taken from Mantaray and is beautiful. It is a mix of dramatic music and vocals, which you can imagine being used of mixing a John Barry soundtrack, featuring horns, strings and electronic embellishments, with Siouxsie’s vocal telling us there’s a price to pay for a life of insincerity.

THE VINCENT BLACK SHADOW - Fears In The Water

The Vincent Black Shadow hail from Vancouver, Canada and formed around the year 2000. The band released their debut album Fears In The Water and the single of the same name in November.

The single features an urgent sounding vocal set against heavy-ish drums and bass, with squalls of guitars and symbols thrown in for good measure. The song slows slightly towards the middle before returning to the full on wall of sound.

O FRACAS - Factfinding EP

O Fracas are a band from Leeds and release their forthcoming debut album Fits & Starts in January ’08, with this EP acting as a little taster of what’s to come. The EP kicks off with the title track, which is a catchy number, with stuttering yet melodic drums, guitars and vocals.

Next up is And So A Scratch Runs Down A Wall. It follows in a similar vein to the first track, and features a lovely xylophone backing, adding that little bit of depth. We then move on to Moth To A Flame, which is a bit more up tempo, with reggae stylings and scattershot drums.

The final track, Scratched Wall (B.T.I. Remix) features 80’s influenced synths and electro backing, and vocals with rapping blended in the middle of the track..

The songs are punchy and catchy, with a few different influences. So if you like your guitar music with a bit of melody, you may enjoy O Fracas.

THE DISPLACEMENTS - Lazy Bones

Naked crowd surfers?  Kids going mental? In the Midlands?  This is, I am assured, is what’s happening at The Displacements gigs in their hometown. 

The band already boasts fans such as Zane Lowe, Lamacq and Kasabian.  It’s no wonder with this track. It’s exciting, catchy and produced by none other than Owen Morris (Oasis, Verve, Ash).

REVEREND AND THE MAKERS - Open your window

The Reverend and his wonderful makers have been gradually winning hearts and minds across the nation. They have played extensive tours and almost all the summer festivals.

Their debut album made it up to number 5 in the charts (remember them?) and they appeared at the renowned Electric Proms.

Open Your Window is the third single to be taken from said debut ‘The State Of Things’ and it is a wonderful mix of heavy beats and melodic synths and guitars, with a soaring chorus. The track is typical of the band and is already a live favourite, looking to continue their success.

KAISER CHIEFS - Love’s Not A Competition (But I’m Winning)

Whatever you think of the Kaiser Chiefs, you cannot accuse them of being lazy. They have been touring constantly across the world and have headlined countless festivals. The band say they already have five songs ready for their third album, some of which they may play at the Newcastle Arena at their sold out show on the 10th December.

Love’s Not A Competition (But I’m Winning) is the latest single to be taken from chart topping album Yours Truly, Angry Mob. It is a slower number for them, featuring just guitar, keyboards, minimal drums and vocals. It is a song about relationship difficulties, which I’m sure we can all relate to.

CLARKY CAT - Slightline

If you’re loving the electro revival then check out this foursome.  They have enough synths and samples to keep you going for a while.  ‘Slightline’ is the bands first release with the new Heavenly Recordings and starts off with a sound not too different from Hot Chip infused with some rythmatic guitar riffs. 

All in all is a good track that I could listen to again.  It’s available now and word on the street is they’ve roped their younger cousin to put the singles and 12” vinyls out.

SEAL - Amazing

Does this man have everything?  A still very alive career, a supermodel wife and three children. Well the sound for his new album is a result of the above.  He’s said to have reverted back to his ‘Crazy’ and ‘Killer’ days for this album and the reason the new album is so up-tempo is a result of his home life. 

This release will please Seal fans no end as it continues with his most recent easy going, pop sound.  Nothing ground breaking but lets see what the albums like.  ‘System’ is out on the 12th November

ROISIN MURPHY - Let me know

This has quite a funky 80’s feel to it.  This girl has been making waves all over Europe including most recently Bestival. The track is out now and it’s a quirky little number, which combines pop and a touch of disco for the diva in us all.  Not sure if it will age well though.  She also has an album out ‘Overpowered’, which we’ve also reviewed.

LIARS - Houseclouds

Quite a surreal track this one. Again like so many tracks I’ve reviewed lately it’s loaded with synths and beats and carries a funky undertone.  These guys are currently touring with Interpol in the US and have a 4th album out. 

They consist of Angus, Aaron and Julian and they are heading back over here to play ATP’s first Halloween party Release The Bats on 2nd November.  Scary stuff! RD

SIGUR ROS - Hljomalind

Another beautiful uplifting track from Sigur Ros.  The music just glides effortlessly from note to note.  Their music film “Heima” was shown recently as part of the BBC’s electric proms and has been a huge success. 

Its actually partnered up with the album ‘Hvarf-Heim” but not to be confused with a soundtrack album.  The single is out now and the film is released on DVD Nov 5th. RD

LINKIN PARK - Shadow of the day