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:
facebook page here
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)
70 – ‘False-Heads’, ‘Jim Johnstone’ and ‘I Am Dive’,
False-Heads:
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:
69 – ‘Japanese Fighting Fish’, ‘Ozonna’ and ‘Monarchy of Roses’
Japanese Fighting Fish:
www.japanesefightingfish.co.uk
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)
60 – ‘Thank Pablo’, ‘Ferris’ and ‘Trash Green’
Thank Pablo:
“Based in South London, Thank Pablo make sun-kissed quintessentially English pop songs that have been dragged through the backstreets of Africa, Spain, France and Jamaica.
It is music to make you smile.
Recently featured on XFM, BBC 6Music and Queens Radio Belfast.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Ferris:
Trash Green:
56 – ‘The Harlots’, ‘Big Num’, and ‘Shag Nasty’
The Harlots:
“An upcoming band based in the heart of London whose members are Sherwin Claridge (Vocals & Guitar), Enrique Moreno (Lead Guitar), Florent Amador (Bass Guitar) & Adam Szabo (Drums). Their success can be attributed to the fact that having only been together for only half a year have already established a highly coveted and personal sound.
Their style is easily recognisable due to their vast range of influences. From classic British Rock ‘n’ Roll such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones all the way to The Libertines’ punk and iconic bands of the 90’s (Oasis & Blur).
Their set list which has arisen as a results of many rehearsals serves as the strongest evidence of The Harlots’ creativity, performance skills and coordination amongst band members. They have a promising year ahead of them in which they are eager to present their passion and song writing capability.
In brief, The Harlots are a band formed by ambitious young musicians who deserve the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Big Num:
“An English take on full-size, brash American stadium rock, Big Num putting a completely wonderful modern alternative, heavy scope onto a soulful and honest vocal that sheers Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones with glints of Bono or Jack White. Classic rock in the vein of Billy Idol dazzlingly sped up to a contemporary model with an eccentric overtone of grinding, stirring guitars and lyrics that demand head-bang brutality. They serve shout-a-long enthralment with an accomplished style and batch of finely and expertly arranged songs which sound well rounded and memorable. This band is an absolutely lustrous and gallant gem in the British rock scene.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Shag Nasty:
“We are the original UK punk rock band SHAG NASTY not to be confused with later pretenders and inferior US imports. We’ve been gigging and making records since 1977… all for your enjoyment. So lock up your Grans because SHAG NASTY are back”.
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
54 – ‘MoCara’, ‘Criminal Brainstorm’ and ‘Derider’
MoCara:
“MoCara are a four-piece alternative/punk/ska band from Leatherhead in Surrey. MoCara’s sound is thick with loud melodic guitars, thundering funk-driven bass lines, intense pummelling drums, ska grooves, big choruses, passionate lyrics and loads more; all of which come together with a shared obsession with creating our own vibe: A vibe that we want to spread as far as possible.
That MoCara sound has taken the band to some of the best venues in London and South East England as well as a minor headline slot at Guilfest. It has also taken the band far in many competitions; most notably to the final of Jar Music Live’s Maldives Breakout Festival at the O2 Academy Islington.
The bands first EP, ‘The Shallow South’, was released in June 2011.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Criminal Brainstorm:
Derider:
“Bursting through the seams of Brighton, this explosive quintet have been relentlessly hitch-hiking across stages, brushing arms with the likes of Cerebral Ballzy and Abdoujaparov and earning a slot on Ipswich Music Day’s main stage. The band, consisting of fireball figurehead Whitnee Springfield, guitarists Sin and Rayna Vandèl, bass player Chuck Tango and sticksman Nate Marcus are now in the process of writing the material that will become their debut album.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
50 – ‘Hot Panda’, ‘Rotifer’ and ‘Auction For The Promise Club’
Hot Panda:
“Hot Panda are just two boys and two girls from Edmonton trying to do the same thing they’ve always tried to do: play some kind of rock and roll that’ll make people dance and feel happy…Simple stuff!
These kids -Maghan Campbell (drums), Chris Connelly (vocals, guitar), Catherine Hiltz (bass), and Heath Parsons (keys, accordion) – have toured so much in the past few years that their shabby van, $30 motel rooms, and stranger’s floors feel more like home these days than their own beds. Since the release of their first EP (2008’s Whale Headed Girl) and their subsequent signing to Vancouver’s Mint Records, the band has zigged and zagged their raucous live show across North America (ok, minus Mexico, but still…) and Europe on planes, trains, and automobiles until they thought they might die!
They’ve snapped pictures of themselves under the Eiffel Tower, played on a stage once graced by the Beatles in Hamburg, and visited royal palaces in Vienna, all when they went on tour opening for the Von Bondies across Europe in April, 2009! They’ve also had wonderful times playing at festivals like SXSW in Austin, Texas, CMJ Music Marathon in New York, and North of the border at Pop Montreal, Halifax Pop Explosion, Sled Island in Calgary, and NXNE in Toronto. Along the way, they’ve played with lots of other bands they love, like Art Brut, The Raveonettes, Tokyo Police Club, Chad Van Gaalen, Electric 6, Crystal Antlers, and lots more. So, in short, it’s been some kind of adventure!
Yet, as great adventures often go, this one suffered some moments of ugly struggle. November 2009 marked the departure of one of their founding members, shortly before the band was supposed to record their sophomore release. However, despite this sad and unsettling blow, the band kept their heads held high long enough to snag Catherine Hiltz as their new bass player/multi-instrumentalist. Hiltz’s arrival, however, has majorly revitalized the band- it’s a long story, but in short, Hot Panda is having fun again, and they’re damn happy about it!
How Come I’m Dead? (Out on Mint Records October 12, 2010), a follow up to 2009’s acclaimed Volcano…Bloody Volcano!, was written with Hiltz and recorded at Vancouver’s JC/DC studios during the chaos of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It has a playful sense of humour to it, revealing the band’s sense of relief and the return of ridiculous good times since Hiltz’s arrival. Like Volcano, How Come I’m Dead draws inspiration from music’s most random corners- the album has moments of dreamy noise, circus freak dance, heartbreaking country ballads with screeching metal guitar solos, lovely harmonies, psychadelic drones, and straight up pop/rock numbers. There’s even a hip-hop track, which includes a bass scratch solo and enough f-bombs to earn them an adult content warning sticker- which tumbles directly into a grinding techno song!
Watch for Hot Panda in a town near you this fall- joyfully dispensing their new rock and roll tunes as they tour North America starting in September!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s official website)
Rotifer:
Auction For The Promise Club:
www.auctionforthepromiseclub.co.uk
“Recently listed in the Marie Claire UK Playlist alongside Florence and the Machine and I Blame Coco, 2011 is year proving to be a for the unsigned band,Auction for the Promise Club.
Introduced on BBC 6 Music by Tom Robinson and on XFM by John Kennedy as well as regional BBC Radio Show’s across the country, the female-fronted rock band have garnered critical acclaim for their unique sound, which channels shoegaze through giant hooks and huge choruses.
2010 saw Auction for the Promise Club support Paolo Nutini and Martha Wainright at the Eden Sessions and also Reverend and The Makers. The band has racked up performances at some of the country’s most renowned venues, including Liverpool’s Cavern Club, Birmingham’s Gatecrasher and the ICA in London, as well as headlining a closing show at London Fashion Week, Jalouse, Mayfair. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s official website)
49 – ‘Ruby Surge’, ‘Aestrid’ and ‘Hollywood Tramp’
Ruby Surge:
Ruby Surge’s facebook page here
“Emerging from the depths of a drinking town in West Wales is a gang of five lads armed with anthemic, rocking tunes to break free from the shackles of mundane life.
Ruby Surge have been going for a little over 18 months, carefully crafting and strengthening their stomping set while playing gigs across the South Wales area.
Trapped by the quicksand effect of small town life, the boys are intent on making a better life for themselves through music, while aiming to improve the lives of others, if only for a three-minute song or a 45-minute show.
“Music is our way out, it’s a constructive way of day dreaming, if you like,” said lyricist Lee MacGregor.
“A lot of our tunes are written as a form of escapism – looking at the positives you can get from life, how things can get better, and they can.
“But we’re human, so others are written in anger. Times are hard, people are struggling and we feel it as much as the next person. But, again, from that we’re taking positives by writing songs, rather than smashing windows and filling our boots.”
Frontman Mathew Morris Jones emphasises the importance of playing live.
“There’s no better feeling than watching people really getting into your band’s tunes, even singing them back to you – at that point you know you are making a difference,” he said.
“Rock ’n’ Roll is not about the sex and drugs and all those clichés, it’s about having it on stage, giving people a break from their lives.” ”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Aestrid:
www.aestrid.com
“Founding member, Bo Menning delivers a sound that could be categorised as something like Indie music. Songs patched together by many different sounds, picked carefully and each placed in the right puzzle. Creating something intense and emotional with melodies flying around like sparks. Like tracks that start off with the sound of a lonely choirboy echoeing down the hall, followed by a build up to where the heavens meet the stars and crashing into a patchwork of melodies that keep on expanding and expanding. In the process of songwriting Menning works purely from his broken memories and images that got stuck somewhere in him as he’s trying to re-assemble them in sound. You can taste the feeling escape in the songs as you picture yourself in the woods along with Menning’s highly emotive mix of sounds and vocals. This all results in an intense, at times blood-curling, live performance, playing with a whole range of elctronics and acoustic sounds.
For the last 3 years Bo Menning has been locked away from the world in his Omega Studio working on Aestrid’s 2nd album. Creating this bubble around himself had its ups and downs, but something pure and unique. That’s for sure.
Aestrid released their first album in 2005: ‘In d’Esprit Pornographique’, which was well received with a lot of positive reviews. The new album, ‘The Echo Resistance’ has been mixed at Real World Studios in Box, UK, by Marco Migliari (New Order, Massive Attack, Sigur Ros, Peter Gabriel, K’s Choice) and will be released in early 2011.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Hollywood Tramp:
www.myspace.com/hollywoodtrampmusic
“Hollywood Tramp are four young musicians with a desire to create music that takes elements of the familiar and turn it into something new. Now close friends, the band came together through mutual friends and a genuine love for music, forming in the Summer of 2009. Hollywood Tramp draw influence’s from all spheres of music and that is reflected in the playing style of each member. On lead vocals, rhythm guitar and piano/keyboards is Sean Colley. The front-man, founder member and chief songwriter. Philip Swan plays lead guitarist and backing vocalist. Akin to Amadeus Mozart, Phil’s first gig was at the age of seven. Steven Dent is Hollywood Tramp’s bass player extraordinaire. Steve often occupies a place next to Phil on backing vocals and is quite adept on the cello too. Holding the whole operation together is Drummer/percussionist Rowan Cox, who’s drumming style has been forged by a heavy influence of Hip-Hop. Having picked up his first pair of drumsticks aged 9, he hasn’t looked back since.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
47 – ‘Nightworkers’, ‘Jacknife Holiday’, and ‘Culsh’
Nightworkers:
Nightworkers’ facebook page here
“Nightworkers have drawn inspiration from artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and UNKLE, to create a contempory Rock’n’Roll sound with elements of blues and electronica. The lyrics are evoked from life influences such as Bill Hicks, Peter Joseph and Bob Marley. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Jacknife Holiday:
www.myspace.com/jacknifeholiday
“Formed in 2009 from the ashes of UK metal giants ‘STRAIN’ and Northern titans ‘DISPLACEMENT’, Jacknife Holiday has already proven to be a serious force, with a live show as brutal as PC’s vocal attack and the bands thunderous riffs, this band has in just 6 short months gained serious UK and US recognition. With massive hype about the forthcoming debut album, Jacknife Holiday is a sludging groove force to be taken on board.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Culsh:
“I remember watching Andre Agassi playing Wimbledon in 1992 and thinking ‘this guy is my idol’. My Dad then showed me a video of Mick Jagger performing Brown Sugar at Madison Square Gardens, and I changed my mind.
Growing up in Glasgow, I spent a lot of time listening to whatever my parents were playing in the car. More often than not, this included Nina Simone, Queen, The Beatles and Bob Dylan – I still know all the words to Subterranean Homesick Blues.
I left Scotland when I was 15 to live in Barcelona, where I picked up my first guitar – musically I’d been limited to piano up until then. From there, American campus music was a big influence whilst at University in California – Dave Matthews & Goo Goo Dolls were always on in the background
I guess music has always been around in my life, but it wasn’t until quite a bit later that I started writing my own. Living in London, I’m surrounded by so many great up & coming artists who are each inspiring in their own right.
Life’s a charm and I’m enjoying writing about it.”
(Quote obtained from Culsh’s official website)
44 – ‘Arkestry’, ‘Boy’ and ‘The MoNacles’
Arkestry:
“We are Arkestry, a psychedelic five piece from London and thereabouts inspired by the likes of Sun Ra, Spacemen 3, Velvet Underground, FlyLo, J Dilla and Deerhunter”
(Quote obtained from the band’s website)
The MoNacles:
www.myspace.com/themonaclesmusic
(No biography info available)
Boy:
“With influences based in Pop sensibilities mixed with the message of Riot Grrl, BOY are an emerging talent causing a stir in the London music scene.
With songs about love and loss and a raw, melodic and hard-hitting sound, BOY place themselves somewhere between the urgency of Arcade Fire and the edge of The Pixies.
Influenced by the androgyny of Bowie, and with an Art House attitude, this music is independent, thought provoking but intensely catchy, still retaining a grip on the mainstream pop they are heavily influenced by.
Planning to release their EP Late 2011, Boy are something exciting, raw and untamed and certainly something not to be missed.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s website)
37 – ‘Eliza Jaye and The Tarts’, ‘Codes’, ‘Air Castles’ and ‘The Good Suns’
Eliza Jaye and The Tarts:
www.myspace.com/elizajayeandthetarts
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Codes:
“C O D E S . are an alternative/electronic quartet from Dublin, Ireland. Expansive yet melodic. Powerful yet delicate, their music colours the void between the ambience and longevity of soundtrack music and the energy and immediacy of live music..
Soaring vocal harmonies, dreamy arrangements and a calculated cryptography of electronic beats, piano, glockenspiel and analogue synths permeate their sound.
Codes debut album “Trees Dream In Algebra” which was recorded in Gloucestershire UK & mixed in Auckland, New Zealand with acclaimed producer Greg Haver (Manics, SFA) and mastered in NYC by Greg Calbi (U2,Interpol,Kings of Leon) is out now. It was the winner of Best Album 2009 in Phantom FM Dublin’s annual awards, is featured in hotpress magazine’s top 200 Irish albums of all time and was nominated for The Choice Music Prize 2010.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Air Castles:
“Air Castles is a London based band led by Swedish born singer-songwriter Max Mansson.
Starting off as a home recording project in 2008 by the then 19-year-old Mansson, Air Castles has since recorded an EP and an album together with Magnus Lindberg of Cult of Luna.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
The Good Suns:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
35 – ‘The Kabeedies’, ‘Town’ and ‘Fractures’
The Kabeedies:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
Town:
“Formed on a love of iconic British bands like the The Clash, The Undertones and The Jam (to name a few), a working class work ethic and no-nonsense approach; South Wales quartet TOWN’s debut offering, the ‘Original Design’ EP, documents the knocks and scrapes of being a youth in modern day Britain.
It’s certainly not all doom and gloom though, lead single ‘Eighteen’, as frontman, Alex Nash explains, “focuses on a prime time in our teenage years, where you’re expected to follow the system and fall into the generic nine-to-five lifestyle, having only 48 hours on the weekend to let off steam. You don’t have to take a journey on that conveyor belt, and can do whatever you want to do, be whoever you want to be.”
It’s attitude like that, that has seen the band begin to make waves up and down the UK with their relatable subject matter, no matter what bill they’re playing on, following shows alongside the likes of The Buzzcocks, The Bluetones, Kids In Glass Houses and One Night Only.
Produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Manic Street Preachers, Lostprophets) at Long Wave Studios and the legendary Rockfield Studios, ‘Original Design’ is both anthemic and ambitious, serving as a perfect introduction to TOWN and should whet the appetite for what will surely be an exciting future for the Newport outfit.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Fractures:
www.soundcloud.com/wearefractures
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
33 – ‘Cult With No Name’, ‘Evaney’, ‘SpyGenius’ and ‘Statuesque’
Cult With No Name:
“‘Post-punk electronic balladeers’ Cult With No Name, comprise the East London duo of Erik Stein and Jon Boux. Having been the first international signing to LA label Trakwerx in 2007 (founded by Jackson Del Rey of Californian punk legends ‘Savage Republic’), ‘Cult With No Name’s two studio albums to date – ‘Paper Wraps Rock’ and ‘Careful What You Wish For’ – have been met with considerable critical acclaim.
Leading UK music journalist Mick Mercer proclaimed the band his discovery of 2007 (with both albums sitting in his subsequent annual top ten lists), Blaine L. Reininger of genre-transcending legends ‘Tuxedomoon’ collaborated on their second album, Don Letts spun tracks on BBC6, and more recently Brett Anderson (Suede) asked ‘Cult With No Name’ to open for him for the launch of his new album.
Having provided the music for two blacker than black comedies at the Edinburgh festival (‘Moz and the Meal’ and ‘Bored Stiff’), it’s fitting that ‘Cult With No Name’ turned their attention to cinema for their first DVD release, ‘Lightwerx: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’. Cult With No Name’s compulsive and compelling soundtrack extends their ability to instantly create evocative moods over 51 breathtaking minutes, on a journey that takes in mystical ambience, nerve-shredding distortion, popular and unpopular song, electronica, and vast, futurist soundscapes. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Evaney:
SpyGenius:
“An electric 4 piece band who use a 60s vocabulary to craft 21st century music with a postmodern twist.
If you appreciate the jangle-meistering of the Byrds and Beatles, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash and the lyrical wit of Robyn Hitchcock, you’ll love Spygenius.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official Website)
Statuesque:
www.myspace.com/statuesquemusic
29 – ‘The Touch’, ‘Vetoes’, ‘The Recusants’ and ‘Pharaohs From The Grave’
The Touch:
“The Touch initially made a name for themselves with their party inducing Dance-Punk sets around Adelaide in 2008. Since then the band has expanded their sound adding ethereal vocal hooks, multi-layerd washes of synth and intricate guitar interplay whilst loosing none of their energetic delivery. The band has played numerous high profile Australian festivals (Big Day Out, Parklife and One Movement) and supported bands like Phoenix, Ladyhawke, Miami Horror, The Swiss and many more. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Check out The Touch‘s music video for ‘SHOT’:
Vetoes:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
The Recusants:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
Pharaohs From The Grave:
www.myspace.com/pharaohsfromthegrave
“An alternative punk rock band of London musicians Emily Wolf O, Katharine Kibela, UJ and Par Mahn. Formed in 2009. Set to release their EP ‘Machines’ in June 2011.”
28 – ‘Mishima’, ‘Les Aus’, ‘Junkyard Choir’ and ‘Allies’
Mishima:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Les Aus:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Junkyard Choir:
“Junkyard Choir are a London-based alternative rock band formed in 2006, whose original lineup had previously played together under the name “Dirt”. Currently comprising of guitarist and lead singer Mark Woods, bassist Kevin Hiscox and drummer Tom Herbert, the band are known for their unique blend of rock, blues, punk and waltz, having been described as “swampy rock’n’roll” [1], “gypsy punk” [2] and “mariachi-esque polka-rock”.[3] Frontman Mark Woods was, for three years (2003-2006), one of the main vocalists in Do Me Bad Things.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Allies:
“Formed by Brothers Andrew and Steve Murphy, and joined by Drummer Alex Ribchester and Bassist Simon Walsh, Allies are a modern Alternative Rock Band combining Big Riffs, intense melodies and classic song writing, to produce powerful and at times “haunting rock” . ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
27 – ‘Boy Mandeville’, ‘Safari’, ‘Raquels’ and ‘Lion Tops’
Boy Mandeville:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Safari:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Raquels:
www.myspace.com/raquelsofficial
“Raquels are are four piece indie band based in Basildon, Essex. Being from a place so sinonymous with crime, violence and all the spoils of the nouveau riche you can’t help but feel it has had an unquestionable influence on their music. Dark and brooding like the history surrounding the Basildon club from which they take their name with sharp glacial guitar sounds, drum beats faster than a Ford XR2 & a vocal delivery so honest you cannot doubt the twisted tales of everyday life in a typical new town.”
Lion Tops:
26 – ‘A Genuine Freakshow’, ‘OK’, ‘Alvin Purple’ and ‘Radio 9’
A Genuine Freakshow:
“A Genuine Freakshow. An artful blend of experimentalism and pop sensibility from Reading comprising the traditional rock ‘n’ roll facets of guitars, bass and drums but augmented by the less obvious additions of cello, violin and trumpet. A band that embrace the icy soundscapes of Sigur Ros but remain entranced by the possibilities of the pop song.
The genesis of this multitude is, as you would expect, less than straightforward. A question as to how the band came into being brings forth a plethora of answers and a volley of disagreement. Various members’ recall of history blurs between fact and (assumed) fiction. What can be said for sure is that by 2008 the current line-up was settled and the previous experiments which saw them begin as “too pop to be challenging” and then swing the opposite way until they were “too post-rock to be fun” had been amended and developed to hit the sweet spot that remains their raison d’etre to this point.
Prior to that settled point, the band had already made their mark in the world with the release of a debut EP that all those still in the band from that time (those changes of personnel again) agree was the “too pop” point. In what would become standard AGF fashion, the follow up ‘0.008%’ EP was, naturally, the “too post-rock” response. A musical equilibrium was found with the release of ‘We Are The Undercurrents’ in 2008 and its follow up ‘Holding Hearts’ in the same year. By the end of that year another equilibrium was achieved with the permanent recruitment of the final pieces of the band, drummer Jack Bryant just making it in time to play the band’s autumn dates by fast-tracking the set in a hectic three week period of cramming on his part.
Plaudits followed for this settled unit. ‘Holding Hearts’ made Tom Robinson’s ‘Best Of 2008’, Word magazine’s Mark Ellen fell for the band, leading to their recent appearance on the magazine’s CD for October. Meanwhile, the seven settled into a touring schedule that saw them build a healthy evangelical fanbase leading to a sold out Bush Hall show in February of 2010. In tandem with touring throughout 2009 and 2010, the band entered the studio with producer Jordan Fish to completely re-record the album that had been taking shape throughout these single releases, so unhappy were they with the final version mark one. A brave decision, some would say foolhardy, but one that is vindicated by the now complete debut album, ‘Oftentimes’ that finally ended its gestation on 8th November 2010.
The journey of this firmly bonded septet – despite the notices from media names – has taken place through the old-fashioned world of word-of-mouth and touring. In keeping with that ethic ‘Oftentimes’ comes to you via band-owned Peartree Records, all members making a firm decision to retain their ownership of their music and complete control over their musical destinies. In support of the album A Genuine Freakshow returned to the touring world for an extensive run of dates from September through December 2010 with plenty more to follow in 2011.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s official website)
OK:
“Welcome to the bright and colorful world of OK! …Four Cardiffians with a love of pop, truly terrible jokes and generally jumping around like idiots.
Having been obsessed with depressing music as a teen, singer Joe Paine decided he would dry his tears and form a band that would make people feel good again! Rounding up good friend and bass player Adam Barrah, the two waved their West-Walian hometown farewell and, with wonder in their eyes and love in their hearts, set sail for Cardiff.
After a few months playing acoustic shows and generally getting very drunk, the two quickly be-friended guitarist Oliver Miles. The technical whiz-kid hit it off with the boys and was soon on stage performing with them.
In desperate need of a drummer, the band coincidentally bumped in to ex ‘Inner-city Pirates’ sticksman Dave Powell. With their notoriously weird sense of humour, the four got on like a series of terrible house fires and soon released their debut record ‘Under The Weather But Over The Moon’ at a frantic launch party in Cardiff’s renowned ‘Buffalo Bar’.
It wasn’t long before the band had begun to transform Joe’s old-fashioned ‘Libertinesian’ sing-alongs into faster, tighter and dancier full-band pounders. OK have since played a string of packed-out shows, which have left audience and band members alike in sweaty heaps!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Alvin Purple:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Radio 9:
“Radio 9 is a collective (usually 3 live members, not including the laptop) that plays electronic music that isn’t boring. Augmented by real drums, guitar and bass and even some vocals, their energetic, melodic Krautpop kicks arse. varying from subtle, mellifluous atmospherics to harsh postpunk whiteouts, the band frequently improvise live in extended rhythmic bop. previously based in the UK, now Oslo, the band have worked with Paul Epworth (Florence and the Machine, Bloc Party) and Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Sons and Daughters). The band have just released an album, ‘Endless Streams of Light’ on Oblong.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
25 – ‘Club Smith’, ‘Dustland’, ‘Southern’, and ‘Gorgeous George’
Club Smith:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Dustland:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Southern:
www.myspace.com/thisissouthernmusic
“Hailing from Belfast, Southern are a musical trio consisting of siblings Thom and Lucy Southern and one of the best exports of the past 12 months. Lead vocalist and songwriter Thom Southern got his start busking around Belfast and Dublin for pocket money. At the tender age of 17 he won ‘Belfast Busker of the Year Award’ which gave him a coveted slot in the Belfast Nashville festival. Through the festival he won the ‘Katherine Brick Award’ for ‘Young Songwriter of the Year’. Soon afterwards Thom joined together with his sister Lucy and their childhood friend Jonny Lee.
It was not long afterwards that Southern began to make a big impact on the Belfast and Dublin music scene playing with well-known artists such as John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Steve Harley, Nanci Griffith, John Hannen, Benitta Hill and Iain Archer.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Gorgeous George:
www.gorgeousgeorgetheband.tumblr.com
“Gorgeous George play a mixture of balkan folk, eastern european jewish klezmer, and manouche jazz, with cockney voices and lyrics about overtime, saturday afternoon results and everyone wearing the same bloody aftershave. bonjour.
We like eastern europe and south west london and we’re here to unite the two.
We are currently working hard on our debut EP ‘Dangle The Carrot’ for a mid-may release and doing lots and lots of gigs.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
23 – ‘Hey Sholay’, ‘Dirty Goods’, ‘Escapists’ and ‘Bill Davro’
Hey Sholay:
“It’s raining in Sheffield – manholes splutter up yesterday’s throwaways, spray-spitting black umbrellas convulse in the wind like fevered crows as the streets fill with the commuting hoards, all wincing their way to work through the wind and torrents with their one dry eye on the prize… But above these busy passageways glows a lit window. And through the haze of ever-moving warm colours, the light spells out five moving figures. These five individuals make up the collective Hey Sholay. Having met in varied musical avenues, a Tuesday night cult ceremony, and all being of like-mindedness – they formed to write new folklaws – with the only goals of nurturing creativity and enjoyment. What emerges from this room has a firm nod towards past styles of strumming wire to beating skins – as this common ground is the way they were raised. However, their hands remain tightly cupped, as they peek between knuckles into something so delicate and fluttering in their palms – something new to them and perhaps even the outside world. Now the overwhelming urge to share themselves is setting cracks in the window above the street – the soft murmur of music is creeping through the split glass – and the most acute of hearing are edging a glance towards the flickering lights… But for now – the rain goes on, as does the music. And neither show signs of letting up until they can all afford timeshare somewhere where the paving doesn’t splutter at your ankles…”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Dirty Goods:
http://www.myspace.com/dirtygoods
“DiRtY GoOdS make dirty, electronica-infused music, with a sound that call upon the vocal styling of Prince, mixed up with the synth-led sounds of Chromeo and MSTRKRFT.
The band consist of Antony James smith&devine, James Alexandros T Woodville & Mikee Gregg formerly of indie-rock outfit ‘Jump The Underground’.
‘The idea was sparked from listening to lots of Chromeo and Prince’ explains Woody and singer Antony-james adds ‘it’s mixed with rock and blues roots as that is generally where I come from’, Mikee also states ‘we all have our individual influences on the band ranging from Prince, Zeppelin, Muddy Waters and Costello to more modern acts such as Chromeo, Daft Punk, Calvin Harris and Justice’.
To date the band have played popular dance nights and venues around the UK including London’s ‘Forgive Me Lord For I Have Synth’, ‘Cargo’s Free Fridays’ and ‘Play It By Ear’.
In their first year they supported the likes of Calvin Harris and The Noisettes, been featured on several TV shows and toured USA playing venues such as The Roxy, L.A. and Fontanas, New York.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)
Escapists:
Escapists are a four-piece from London, striving to make epic, cinematic music. Think the bombast of Arcade Fire, the Harmonies of Mumford & Sons with the musicality of Death Cab.
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)
Bill Davro:
“Following an insurgence of bands readdressing the Brit-pop movement of the 90s, Bill Davro are bringing Alternative Pop back to the underground lexicon. Combining Jazz, Jangle Pop, Garage infused rhythms and melodic guitar hooks, the signature Bill Davro sound reflects what has come before but has been somewhat overlooked in recent years. There sound simultaneously sounding traditional and modern: a fresh and bright (sometimes jagged) explosion of pop phantasmagoria. The shifting moods of singer and lyricist Kieran Gallimore elevate the music in to a dimension of maturity and self-reflexivity (almost Wordsworthian), offering an assortment of emotive lyrics and thought provoking imagery, floating ‘as lonely as a cloud’ atop the ringing guitar lines and driving rhythm. Kieran’s lyrics have been likened to Ian Dury and Morrissey, using regional vernacular to express true to heart emotion lyrically. The band, in their live performance, transform the genteel (and somewhat vulnerable) sound in to an exciting, energetic happening guaranteed to grab you by the waist and move your hips to the swinging groove. Bill Davro have a distinct identity and sense of purpose that sits them quite comfortably (if not slightly aware of the height) on a platform of their own.
Bill Davro are always hard at work writing, recording and spreading their good name like jam on toast. Their latest (self-titled) EP is the band’s recent achievement but by no means is this all they have to show for themselves. The band have been seen in weird and wonderful venues which just goes to show their complete commitment to the music but also remain elusive. Bill Davro, however, also like to show their faces equally as much. Having played the Clothes Show Live at the Birmingham NEC, Kendal Calling music festival, been finalists for AKG Unsigned Heroes in London (to name just a few stints). Bill Davro are quite at home in any town; in front of a crowd or in front of each other. Currently gearing up for a summer of gigs, festivals, and writing and recording for their next EP, Bill Davro will surely be busy this year so catch them in a venue near you….”
(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)
21 – ‘The Contras’, ‘CourageHaveCourage’, and ‘The Transpersonals’
The Contras:
CourageHaveCourage:
www.myspace.com/couragehavecourage
The Transpersonals:
www.myspace.com/thetranspersonals
19 – ‘Arms of Atlas’, ‘LeCarla’ and ‘Eat Off Your Arms’
Arms of Atlas:
Arms of Atlas‘s ‘Hour of the Night’ Official Music Video:
LeCarla:
Check out LeCarla‘s Official Music Video for their debut track ‘DILLIGAF’ which was released in May of last year:
Eat Off Your Arms:
www.myspace.com/eatoffyourarms
Check out Eat Off Your Arm‘s video for their song ‘Sit and Grin’:
17 – ‘Tankus The Henge’, ‘Kitty Junkbrother’, and ‘Doyle & The Fourfathers’
Tankus The Henge:
“The world of Tankus the Henge is uplifting and wild, dark and heartfelt. A five piece powerhouse of a band drawing visual and musical influences from old time Fairgrounds to modern day Circus; The Beatles to Tom Waits and Gogol Bordello to Radiohead, they embody a look and a sound that lies somewhere between their South East London home and the carnival town of New Orleans.
With their charismatic frontman, Jaz Delorean, looking like a lost character from a Terry Gilliam film and the pump and grind of the Tankus the Henge sound generating a groove that makes it impossible to stand still, their live show ebbs and flows like a small boat on a turbulent sea.
Any other band who billed themselves as “the most fantastic band in the world” would rightly quake in their boots at having to live up to such fanfare. Tankus the Henge defy you to contradict them!”
(quote obtained from the band’s official website)
Kitty Junkbrother:
www.myspace.com/kittyjunkbrother
“KittyJunkBrother was made in Camden. Hair is her own. She likes her cat Brian and days in which she is not under any obligation to do anything. Freedom to dine on the stars overhead and sing songs about lovers that fled; that is what a JunkBrother likes. To travel the world with a dime in your shoe, got no time for the system that seems to fuck you.”
(quote obtained from the artist’s myspace page)
“Doyle & The Fourfathers are a Southampton based band who formed in September 2009. The band consists of Lead singer and songwriter William Doyle, Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Ben Clark, Bassist Michael Goozee and Drummer Alex Urch.
Inspired by all great and enduring artists of the last 60 years, the band’s sound is a refreshingly honest coalescence of nostalgia and innovation. Their music presents a diverse sonic palette, yet is always underpinned by assured and evocative songcraft.
The band’s most notable successes of 2010 include performing at the triumphant ‘Save 6 Music’ protest gig at the 229 Club in London and playing a live session for Marc Riley on his BBC 6 Music show, as well as gaining recognition from other DJs on the station. The band have also built up a modest yet passionate fanbase in a short space of time.
Having released their single ‘The Governor of Giving Up’ on October 4th 2010, Doyle & The Fourfathers have finished recording their first full-length album, “Man Made” the release of which will be supported by a UK tour in early 2011.”
(quote obtained from the band’s official website)
Check out ‘Doyle & The Fourfathers’ performing on BBC Radio earlier this year:
15 – ‘Jonny Cola & the A-Grades’, ‘Holy Coves’, ‘Shiva’ and ‘Retraplayer’
Jonny Cola & The A-Grades:
www.jonnycolaandtheagrades.net
Holy Coves:
Shiva:
Retraplayer:
14 – ‘The Savage Nomads’, ‘The Method’, ‘Hi-Life Wedding’, and ‘Letters To Fiesta”
The Savage Nomads:
www.myspace.com/thesavagenomads
The Method:
www.myspace.com/methodofficial
Hi-Life Wedding:
Letters To Fiesta:
www.myspace.com/letterstofiesta
London Unsigned Music