The Cribs

Mr Bones and the Dreamers hail from the second city, and create the sort of music that divides those discerning types and those who listen to the poorer radio stations.

The music has a folk feel to it, but with a pop sensibility, with strings, pianos and percussion. Are These Actual Miles? is an enjoyable track, and one that definitely gets the feet tapping. Check them out at www.myspace.com/mrbonesandthedreamers

Audience of One is taken from Rise Against's fifth album Appeal To Reason, and is their usual mix of guitars, bass and heavy drums, with soaring choruses. One thing they always sound like is that they are having a good time.

Rise Against are a popular live draw, and play a number of festivals across the world. For details of these go to www.riseagainst.com

Dan Black once appeared on those 'one to watch' lists. It's easy to understand why some people made a fuss, with his hip-hop influenced bass driven tracks.

Alone is one of those tracks that gets you moving, whether your driving or doing the washing-up. It's pert, funky and uplifting, and worthy of attention.

For more information, and a glimpse of his oeuvre, go to www.myspace.com/danblacksound.

Dan Black's debut album ((un)) is out now.

Clubsmith hail from Leeds and have been slowly gathering momentum with their music being played on the likes of BBC6 Music (I do hope the BBC has a rethink). You can understand when you listen to this EP. The Green Room kicks off proceedings and is an 80's influenced guitar pop number that is an instant foot tapper.

Causing Doubt has a pensive, atmospheric start which soon bursts into life. Do You Despair? has an almost gloomy opening, but the guitars and synths are soon added, giving that 80's feel again. Young Defeatists follows that influence.

There are different layers and elements to the tracks on this EP, which I like. It's clear they haven't just been thrown together in a formulaic fashion.

For more information about Clubsmith, and to listen to their wares, go to www.clubsmith.co.uk