Up & Coming Bands who perform in London – All images © Chris Dorney.

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77 – ‘The Naturals’, ‘Juliette & The Sin’, ‘Ballyhoo Eventide’ and ‘Raptusound’

The Naturals:

Artist’s official facebook page here

“The Naturals make guitars sound like bees..”

Juliette & The Sin:

Artist’s official facebook page here

Ballyhoo Eventide:

Artist’s official facebook page here

“Our main reason when coming to writing music was to make people want to dance. So we tried to bring the feel of Dance music into our songs giving it a good strong beat”.

The bands live shows are a energetic spectical of rock and electronica with the band playing multiple instruments.

We have been described as a “3 piece but sound like a 5 piece, this is thanks to our samplers and synths so thank you Korg for your support”

It is clear the band are going to be around for a long time
Keep checking up on the band because they are always up to something.”
(Info obtained from the artist’s official facebook page)

Raptusound:

www.raptusound.com

“Raptusound are a breaking new alternative electro rock band from Leicester; four musicians who write, record, produce and perform their own music and who, since making their live debut in October 2011, have rapidly made a name for themselves as a powerful and accomplished live act, creating a passionate and emotive atmosphere with their beautifully written and arranged songs.”

(Info obtained from the band’s official website)

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76 – ‘The Book Club’, ‘Alloy Ark’ & ‘Magic Brother’

The Book Club:

www.myspace.com/thebookclubofficial

“The Book Club aren’t what you want, and aren’t really what you need either. In fact, what you need, you never want, and what you want, you never need. But when winter begins to thaw and the electric curtain falls, what you want and what you need come closer than ever before. Their lips almost touch. That’s where The Book Club will meet you. Legs akimbo.”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

Alloy Ark:

www.alloyark.bandcamp.com

facebook page here

Magic Brother:

www.myspace.com/magic-brother

“Since 2010 Magic Brother have been calling up the spirits of the ancient masters of music and brewing them into something just a little bit different. Think of a modern day Traffic or prime Jefferson Airplane with a twist. Magic Sam plays guitar with a passion while Rob Delta snakes his own crystalline string lines in there. Brother Joe on thundering bass and Nicky on drums cook up a mean rhythm section, and on top of all that the beautiful and sublime Princess Faye weaves an ethereal magic of her own, singing and playing the flute. A band that could have held their own in the sixties playing music very much for the future.”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

75 – ‘LiA (Life Imitates Art)’, ‘Pocket Venus’ and ‘The Marshalls’

LiA:

www.liaofficial.com

“Fiery electro-rave with heavy dub-step element, soulful female vocals and male rapper.”

(Info obtained from band’s facebook page here)

Pocket Venus:

www.pocketvenusband.co.uk

“Pocket Venus are a rock band from Conwy in North Wales. The band formed in 1998 and toured the UK extensively, hailed as the one of the best unsigned bands of their time they achieved critical acclaim both in the UK and abroad.”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

The Marshalls:

www.soundcloud.com/the-marshalls

74 – ‘Fire At Night’ and ‘Lolita’

Fire At Night:

www.fireatnightmusic.com

“Purveyors of ethereal charm, Fire at Night are an indie/alternative rock band from Hampshire. Their debut EP, ‘Paradigm 14’, is available now to download for free from www.fireatnight1.bandcamp.com

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

Lolita:

 www.facebook.com/lolitauk

“Lolita is an indie band coming out of North London. The group was formed by brothers Miles Mitchell (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Jamie Mitchell (Bass), Carling ‘Buca’ Colfer (Lead Guitar) and Matt ‘The Crow’ Taussig (Drums). They have won a total of 0 awards, including 0 Brit Awards, 0 Emmy’s, and an amazing 0 NME awards. As of 2012 the four piece have sold an estimated 0 records worldwide.

The formation of the band can be attributed to lead singer Miles. After a brief hiatus from the North London boyband scene – of which Miles was a key player – the Gods of 4-part harmonies intervened and told Miles the world needed his frilly voice and regurgitated melodies. Thus, he rallied his brother – who was living in a squat and had taken to painting left-leaning political street art with his penis – and bought him a bass guitar. The nucleus had been formed.

After searching North-West London for a drummer, Jamie remembered an old school acquaintance known as ‘Crow’ who had been instrumental in the well-documented success of the St Albans Boys School Samba band in the late 90’s, and sought to track him down. They found him in Blackpool performing a one-man magic show with an aeronautical theme to an audience of balloons. After elaborate negotiations, where Crow demanded the balloons came with him and that Britney Spears be a key musical influence, he agreed to be in the band.Although nearly complete, the boys realised there was something missing. And what a big part had been missing indeed. At a lavish murder mystery party that the brothers hosted, it became clear that Captain Ratcliffe was the missing piece. ‘Buca’ added the musical nuance that the boys so desperately needed, and although Buca was busy with conning old women out of their pension and sucking off Ed Sheeran for riffs that didn’t make the album, he jumped onboard. The band was formed.The Mitchell brothers, infamous for their lavish disputes and wild lifestyles, hold a rivalry with other sibling rock sensation, the Gallagher brothers. After a typically raucous gig in Exeter, Miles was overheard calling Liam a ‘little pansy tabloid whore, who would bend over for Hitler if it meant front-page publicity.’ It is dubious whether the Gallagher’s harbor the same rivalry, as they have never heard of Lolita.”
(Info obtained from the bands facebook page)

73 – ‘The Incidents’, ‘Death In Texas’ and ’24 Knots’

The Incidents:

www.music.the-incidents.com

“When two brothers and two strangers met in the rough, tough, seedy back alleys of Kettering town, Northamptonshire, little did they know that on that dark hazy night their lives would be changed forever. For when a spicy-smelling meteorite crashed into the ground between them, they were exposed to a mysterious cosmic radiation not seen on Earth since at least the 50s, and recognising the tremendous burden they now carried, the four boys became…THE INCIDENTS!

With awesome super powers and great haircuts, The Incidents fight crime and songs in excess of 5 minutes (except the ones by The Smiths) in all their forms, composing symphonies of heroism in the key of justice! The Incidents are…

ALEX SMITH – Alex Smith has a voice that could as easily shatter glass as make a wolverine purr. But that’s not the radiation talking; that’s something you’re born with. No, the radiation accelerated Alex’s pheromones to the extent that he needs to wear a specially made waistcoat simply to suppress the otherwise uncontrollable sex appeal he now exudes. You have been warned.

SAM GILBERT – When Sam’s fingers mutated into guitar-twangin’ machines the likes of which the world had never encountered before, an unexpected side effect occured.The mysterious radiation caused vast quantities of his blood to transform into pure Brylcreem, resulting in a mighty coiffure that Elvis himself would approve of.

HENRY HUDSON – Henry’s the stylish one of the group. With suits that would make Sinatra himself look like a hobo, Henry was the least affected by the deadly radiation that the band encountered thanks to the fine Saville Row tailoring he had chosen to wear down the alleys that night. Though he has the bass playing skills of a mere mortal, it was discovered when he mooned an unwitting police officer that on dark nights the sun can be seen shining out of Henry’s ass.

HARRY GILBERT – The youngest member of The Incidents was the most affected by the radiation. While this elevated his drumming skills to those of a god, it had the unfortunate side effect of driving him completely, bat-shit insane, which can be seen in his whirlwind performances behind the kit night by night. It also created in him a crippling weakness: alcohol.The Incidents quickly discovered one tragic night that their powers were ultimately limited; they could run out at any given time, especially on stage and especially under the influence of the powers of their evil arch-nemesis: Booze Man. Seeking sustenance, our intrepid heroes ventured in search of the earthly substance that most closely matched the oozings from the martian meteorite within the walls of Londis, and discovered the awesome rejuvenative powers of the One True Beverage. With rock-and-roll and ginger beer in their hearts and bowels (sometimes respectively, usually not) the Incidents set out to save British guitar rock from people without super-powers, recruiting as many to their cause as super-humanly possible!”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

Death In Texas:

www.deathintexas.bandcamp.com

“Death In Texas are a 3-piece progressive pop band, from London. Fusing epic classically inspired piano, a pounding rock rhythm section, soaring vocal melodies and progressive-leaning song structures, Death In Texas explores the darker side of pop and the grandiose side of rock. Described as the spawn of King Crimson and Latin pop, expect heavy, theatrical music, full of drama and soaked in talent.

The trio have had a successful run of London shows backing up their debut release, The ‘We Will Implode’ EP.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

24 Knots:

www.myspace.com/24knotsband

“A rock/blues/indie band hailing from glorious South London.”

72 – ‘Fable’ and ‘Pete Lynch’

Fable:

“Fable is formed of, Jordan Micallef, George Iezzi, Rona Mairi Williamson and Marley Owen-Le Bozec. In late December 2011, based in London, UK.

Drawing from a huge array of influences, Fable has a road of endless musical possibilities.”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

Pete Lynch:

www.petelynchmusic.com

“PETE LYNCH (born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA) is a solo artist, singer and song writer but his debut album “Face me!” (all vocals, guitars, bass guitars and pianos are performed by PETE LYNCH) has the sound, attitude and feel of a hungry, young band. “Face me!” is a true “all killer no filler” that will take you from the highest high to the deepest depths of your soul and leave you craving for more. Fast, high-energy songs like the album’s opener “Hate me like I hate myself” are followed by songs such as the brutally honest “I’m mad at you” or the very personal, up close and vulnerable ballad “Swim,” which features LIANE de LOTBINIÈRE , one of Canada’s hottest singers.

All of LYNCH’s songs give you an intense look into his schizophrenic inner space. His lyrics are dazzlingly truthful portraits of who he is when the masks are down and what he’s been through in his young life. “Face me!” is a soundtrack of experiences many listeners will identify with. The album was produced by Conny Dix, who recorded Lenny Kravitz on his 2008 election song for US President Barack Obama. “Face me!” introduces 12 original LYNCH songs that are spirited, passionate and deep. LYNCH’s powerful and distinctive voice, combined with his unique blend of musical influences may remind you of Peter Gabriel at his best, flying high with the Killers as his band.

“Face Me!” was released internationally in March 2011, and for the 2011 “Face Me!” Tour PETE LYNCH teamed up with three incredibly talented, experienced and like-minded musicians, drummer Sascha Bem, guitarist Mike Seidl and bassist Joe Gridl. Their fine musicianship and love for performing on stage soon earned them a reputation for being an awesome, hard-working live act! PETE LYNCH shows are outstanding, energetic, extravagant performances that force you to confront his sharp lyrics and haunting music.

2011 also saw new collaborations and new activities for PETE LYNCH. His latest work is contributing the lyrics to Richard Klein’s Eurovision Song Contest Song “Bigger, Better, Best” and “One Way Is Enough”, the lead track on the soundtrack of the 3D horror movie “One Way Trip” (reached number 6 in the Swiss and number 3 in the Austrian movie charts!).

Currently PETE is finishing work on his forthcoming 2nd Album (release date Sept./Oct. 2012) and is starving to get back on the road again!”

(Info obtained from the artist’s facebook page here)

71 – Limozine’, ‘The Cherry Bluestorms’ & ‘Zig Zag Birds’

Limozine:

www.myspace.com/limozine

“Limozine are a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from London inspired by The Cramps, The Stooges The Stones and The Ramones. Limozine have released three albums, Car Crash Casino in 2007, Evil Love in 2010, and Full Service in 2012.”

(Info obtained from the band facebook page here)

The Cherry Bluestorms:

www.thecherrybluestorms.com

“Upon the release of their Stukas Over Disneyland mini-album, punk rock legends The Dickies were about to go on their first U.S. tour since the untimely death of Chuck Wagon. The band asked Glen Laughlin to tour with them on guitar, vocals and keyboards. Following the tour Glen returned to Los Angeles to increasing demand as a session player. He also took the opportunity to begin recording his debut solo album with famed producer Earle Mankey. Unfortunately, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident on the way to the studio and crushed his left hand, apparently ending his career as a musician. As we know, the story didn’t quite end there.

With his hand still in a cast, Glen formed The Skin Trade. Seven months later The Skin Trade played their first show, featuring Glen on lead vocals and two-fingered bass. Glen later rejoined The Dickies as bassist and then as guitarist for several years. He also began to use the many non-standard tunings he developed as a result of his hand injury.

Following The Dickies’ Idjit Savant tour, Glen purchased part of the studio where “Idjit” was recorded. Since then, in addition to The Cherry Bluestorms, Glen has produced The Dickies, movie star Heather Graham and tracks for CSI: Las Vegas. He has also produced indie artists such as Neil Ormandy, Reuben “Big Reub” Vigil and The Reloaders, The Ben Gunn Society, and The Greatcoats. His latest project involves members of Fishbone, Suicidal Tendencies and Ivan Neville.

Having landed a development deal with A&M which led to collaborations with recording world luminaries Chris Lord-Alge and Mike Clink, Deborah Gee placed several songs from her debut solo album “Portal” in TV and films. She was looking for a collaborator for her next venture. After meeting Glen at a coffeehouse and discovering their mutual love for ‘60’s guitar-based melodic rock, the two began working on what was to become The Cherry Bluestorms’ debut album, Transit of Venus. They formed a band and were spotted at their first show by a promoter, whereupon their second show was before a festival crowd in New Hampshire. The band has subsequently entertained crowds and enjoyed critical praise from their hometown Hollywood haunts to Canada and the UK, including The Cavern, famous home of The Beatles.

The Bluestorms gave Transit of Venus a splendid send-off at Hollywood’s Cinespace, where they had a genuine Fillmore lightshow and a live string quartet accompanying a performance of the entire album. TOV was noted as one of the top 100 indie albums of 2007 by IPO’s David Bash. TOV has been critically praised by L.A. Weekly, Glasswerk UK, Powerpopaholic, Not Lame, Absolute Powerpop and others, many singling out the bands’ version of the Beatles’ “Baby, You’re a Rich Man”. “Violent Heart” from TOV and “A True Heart Wears A Thorny Crown” from their upcoming second album were placed in hit Stephen Cannell television shows.

Speaking of second albums, the band is nearly finished recording their sophomore effort, an ambitious concept album called Bad Penny Opera. The album is due out later this year. Meanwhile, Deborah has also begun tracking her second solo album, Geeology, with Glen co-producing.”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)


Zig Zag Birds:

www.facebook.com/zigzagbirds

“With one foot in the sun-soaked Sixties, and the other in the do-it-yourself YouTube generation, Zig Zag Birds began as an experiment and quickly got out of hand. British singer-songwriters David Rael and Edward Randell and drummer Will Pickering bring their feelgood pop songs to life with the help of rudimentary recording gear, a video camera and some very talented friends.

A bedroom album that sounds like a 5-star suite, their debut EP features strings, brass, flutes and a small army of backing singers – all held together with Sellotape and cups of tea. And, most importantly, outstanding tunes. They don’t write ’em like this any more: Zig Zag Birds’s infectious melodies and lush vocal harmonies draw on The Beatles and The Beach Boys, the storytelling of Lieber & Stoller and the playfulness of Steely Dan. They are equally at home with straight-up rock ‘n’ roll (Brighter Shade of Blue), with chamber-pop balladry (A Song A Day) and even campy Halloween mischief (Bump In The Night). These are uncynical, fresh, infinitely hummable tunes to put a grin on your face and a spring in your step.”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

70 – ‘False-Heads’, ‘Jim Johnstone’ and ‘I Am Dive’,

False-Heads:

www.false-heads.bandcamp.com

Jim Johnston:

www.facebook.com/jimjohnstonmusic

“Bristol-based songwriter and guitarist Jim Johnston’s debut solo album, “Voyage of Oblivion” is a thirteen song collection of darkly mysterious, all-encompassing guitar-driven tracks recorded live in a day (with additional overdubs over four days). The former Monk and Canatella singer-guitarist’s impressive premiere is an Indie rock epic, entwined with tales of love, darkness and resurrection. “Voyage of Oblivion” sounds immediately modern, yet encapsulates vintage, classic rock & Indie sounds of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

The album features all-powerful musicianship from Martin Dupras on bass guitar, Chris Thomas on drums, and Owain Coleman on keyboards, with guitars and vocals provided by Johnston. Several songs also feature guest vocals from Australian folk troubadour Emily Barker from Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo.
The album was produced by Johnston and French Canadian producer Dupras, The Jim Johnston band will play several exclusive UK dates Feb 2012 in support of the album.”

(Biography obtained from the band’s facebook page)

I Am Dive:

www.iamdive.com

69 – ‘Japanese Fighting Fish’, ‘Ozonna’ and ‘Monarchy of Roses’

Japanese Fighting Fish:

www.japanesefightingfish.co.uk

Ozonna:

www.soundcloud.com/ozonna

“The man getting his regular short back and sides smiles with intrigue at the figure in the doorway. This Camden hairdresser isn’t used to visits from unfamiliar faces. The bespectacled guest, dressed in a faded denim jacket and rolled shorts, begins to strum a Ukulele, giving his adopted crowd a rendition of his latest song, “I love me”. Even the stubborn buzz of the last few clippers has been silenced within moments. Two minutes later he leaves, followed by looks of affection and bemusement.

African-born electro popper Ozonna may have chosen an unusual way to market himself, but in today’s hyper competitive music industry it pays to be original. Even pop queen Lady Gaga used to have to stand scantily clad on tables in bars, screaming along to Black Sabbath records to get noticed. Visiting some of London’s coiffeurs to play impromptu gigs may not hold the same shock-value, but it’s the perfect place for Ozonna to deliver his message.

And that message is simple; he is trying to empower people through his music. “I want people to feel positive about how they look and feel,” he says. “Playing at the hairdressers, I wanted to tell people that they don’t need to spend lots of money to look beautiful, they are already. It is positive music for the soul.”

Ozonna himself even admits that the message can be seen as clichéd. But it’s the way that message is delivered on his new single, “I love me”, that the London-based artist eliminates any sense of been-here-before. An eclectic mix of influences has inspired the record, which delivers pop hooks underpinned with genuine musical ideology. Think Marina and the Diamonds, Madonna and a hint of Gaga, and you begin to get the idea. But Ozonna’s sound is still wholly individual.

On “I love me”, his unique vocal range is laid bare. It is fragile yet captivating. Combined with the Ukulele and boppy synth the track epitomises what the young musician is all about. It strikes at the core of the vanity of society, why people should ignore the critics and love themselves. It is refreshing to hear a passionate edge to an essentially pop-infused track. This theme is continued in “Perfect day to die”, another creation that reveals a strong sense of musicality in Ozonna’s work, with muted strings and a clean cut piano riff providing a perfect foundation for the heartfelt lyrics. “Stupid self” and “I don’t give a damn” are further rebellious outlets. The latter tinged with the sound of an early Annie Lennox track. ”

(Info obtained from Ozonna’s facebook page here)

Monarchy Of Roses:

“Monarchy Of Roses are a new group who were formed in North London with a range of influences including Soul, 60s beat, Blues.  Under guidance of singer/songwriter Craig Ingham and now joined by Bassist Alex Montague.  Looking for world domination and exposure!  Welcome to The Kingdom Of North London Soul!”

(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)

68 – ‘Turning Plates’ and ‘Howl Griff’

Turning Plates:

www.turningplates.co.uk

“Turning Plates are an award winning group of musicians based in Glasgow. Using theirdiverse classical, jazz and rock backgrounds they create a uniquely alternative style. Founded in 2009 their mixing of synthesizers and effect laden guitars with the more melancholy sounds of clarinet, cello and trombone, combined with the use of unusual time signatures, have led to the band quickly finding a distinct and individual sound. The band sites an eclectic mix of influences from the Smashing Pumpkins to Sigur Ros to Baroque music.

On the back of early successes the band has recently recorded an EP comprising 6 songs at Glasgow’s prestigious Chem19 studios with producer Jamie Savage which is due for release in April 2012. During 2011 the band’s song Tin Man won an award in Playmusic Pickup magazine’s unsigned band competition and finished their first tour taking in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling Falkirk and Ayr over Easter 2011. In addition the band have gigged frequently in Glasgow doing both electric and acoustic shows, supporting several touring bands including Silversun Pickups, Scanners, Slaraffenland and The Neat.”

(Info obtained from the band’s Official Website)

Howl Griff:

www.howlgriff.com

“After receiving much press and public acclaim for our debut, Welsh-language record Howl Griff, we unleashed our second album The Hum – this one in English. Along with single releases Bluebirds and Sunrise, the album has garnered heady acclaim.

“Bloody lush – a new band we love,” said Lauren Laverne on her daytime BBC 6music show. She’s not alone in liking what she hears. “Life-affirming,” wrote The Independent. “Gorgeous harmonies and warm ’60s melodies – the result is quite lovely,” added Stuff magazine. “A Welsh Brian Wilson,” claims Clash magazine.

So when the lovely Lauren Laverne asked if we were interested in giving away an MPfree on her show, who were we to argue? Thanks to her and the 6music crew, you can download the Sunrise single for zero pence on our free MP3s page.

We’ve been played widely across BBC 6music, Radio One, Radio Wales, Radio London and noted Californian station KCRW too, which is nice.”

(Info obtained from the band’s Official Website)