Hailing from Sheffield, garage surf-pop four-piece Best Friends have already marked themselves out for greatness in 2014. It appears the musical hotbed of Sheffield has spat out another fantastic home-grown talent in the form of this group, who are influenced by the likes of The Beach Boys, Black Lips, Phil Spector and The Ramones.
Since their formation in early 2011, they have played shows across the country with Django Django and Cults. Now we're enjoying the fruits of their labour on a much wider scale, whilst expecting them to achieve nationwide success if they keep it up.
Asserting their hit potential from the opening bars of 'Happy Anniversary' which upon initial listening sounds similar to Peace's 'California Daze', Best Friends have set their own musical bar remarkably high. The clatter of sunshine-soaked melodies and fuzzy, reverb heavy guitars are illegally good and their tune 'Nosebleeds' is another that will get people talking.
'Nosebleeds' is also one that appears effortlessly chilled, whilst allowing the epic instrumentation to blow minds. Best Friends cause ripples of delights as pure magic unfolds and spreads across the surface with every new release.
With Best Friends there is plenty to celebrate; why not take a leaf out of their book and party hard to their tracks. We're buying into it and you should too. Words Lauren Wade
As of this afternoon, Christmas has officially begun for me. Over the past week I've heard nothing but Christmas songs everywhere. I like the majority of festive tunes, however older music will always be my favourite.
The Kinks - All Day And All Of The Night
The Kinks are one of my favourite bands from the sixties, and this is what it's all about. This song is included in the band's better known material. Also I watched The Boat That Rocked last weekend, and it was featured on the soundtrack.
For fans of: The Animals, The Who, David Bowie, The Turtles and Bo Diddley.
The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black
I'm in love with this song so much it's not healthy, I swear. You have probably heard it before but give it another listen, because you can and you should.
For fans of: Bob Dylan, The Who, Elvis Presley, Oasis and The Beach Boys.
Tom Odell - Another Love
I have been hearing this on the radio a lot, and this guy is tipped for big things next year. I downloaded the EP 'Songs From Another Love' and was not disappointed.
For fans of: Ben Howard, Jake Bugg, Lucy Rose, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Laura Marling.
Django Django - Life's A Beach
I only started listening to this band a few months ago, and Life's A Beach is one of my favourite songs from their debut album. This is a band you should check out if you haven't already.
For fans of: Spector, The 2 Bears, Tame Impala, Field Music and Cloud Control.
The Jam - Town Called Malice
I've been listening to this old favourite all week. It's catchy, cool and classic. What's not to love?
For fans of: The Who, Paul Weller, The Undertones, Buzzcocks and The Kinks.
NME's annual Awards Tour has returned with announcements for February 2013. Headlining this year is Django Django, with their psychedelic revival and folk-futurism, the band have responded saying that by February they will have new songs ready to perform. Django Django are flanked by 'the new modfather' Miles Kane whose second album is set for release next year. Some people have already commented that it was strange not to see Miles as the headliner, however he said that playing he has been waiting to play this tour for years; he is just looking forward to getting on the road and playing the gigs.
Django Django
Miles Kane
Third on the bill are Palma Violets, the underground breakout stars who captivated music fans earlier this year when they attracted so much attention, seemingly from nowhere. Their regular basement gatherings quickly caught the attention of record labels and the music press. Their biggest achievement this year has been signing to Rough Trade, and now they are off on the NME Awards Tour.
Palma Violets
The opening band are Peace (who are also my favourite new band right now). Much has been said about Birmingham's newest wave of talent and you have probably heard them already, but not realised it was them. Watch out for Peace as you will be humming their songs throughout the whole of 2013.
Peace
Tour Dates
Newcastle 02 Academy February 7
Manchester Academy 1 February 8
Leeds 02 Academy February 9
Glasgow 02 Academy February 11
Nottingham Rock City February 12
Liverpool 02 Academy February 13
Norwich UEA February 15
Birmingham 02 Academy February 16
Cardiff Uni Great Hall February 17
Bristol 02 Academy February 19
Bournemouth 02 Academy February 20
Brighton Dome February 21
London 02 Academy Brixton February 23
Ticket pre-sales began at 9am this morning (Wednesday November 28) however there may still be tickets left if you are lucky.
What do you think of the line-up? Do you agree with the choice of headliner/opening act? Comment below.
I skipped posting a playlist last week, so here is a longer edition - hope you enjoy.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California
I've liked RHCP for years but I was never a major fan or anything, this changed last week when I decided to give them a proper listen. I listened to every album back to back and fell in love, I really did. Mother's Milk and I'm With You are my favourite albums, but they're all good and I did have a hard time picking my favourites. I urge you to give this band a listen as they will change your life. You have probably heard some of their songs before and just hadn't realised it was them.
For fans of: Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters, Guns N' Roses and Led Zeppelin.
Daughter - Youth
I discovered this band a few days ago due to NME's recommendations and I love them. Combining folksy elements with soulful melodies, Daughter are a relaxing band to chill out and forget about your day to. The three piece haven't been together long, but already they have mastered their latest single at Abbey Road Studios. The band also hope to release their debut album in January.
For fans of: The XX, Laura Marling, Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Lucy Rose and Alt-J.
Haim - Forever
I found out about Haim when I learnt Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys frontman) had been spotted, at one of their gigs in Los Angeles. I checked them out instantly and my life was complete. I recognised their song 'Forever' upon listening, as XFM have played it a few times before. They are extremely underrated right now, and I hope in future they receive the media recognition they deserve.
For fans of: Jessie Ware, Florence And The Machine, Lana Del Rey and The Pierces.
Peace - Bloodshake
You have probably seen my previous post from last week about this band, but they had to be included on this playlist as I really love their sound. Playing up to the image on the EP (a watermelon cut into shapes, strongly resembling the international sign for peace) Bloodshake has a fruity core with killer guitar riffs. This is one song you have to listen to. It's upbeat, it's clever but more than anything it's a game changer.
For fans of: Two Door Cinema Club, Dog Is Dead, Foals, Foster the People, Tribes, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Maccabees.
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
I've known about this band since late September/early October, when I picked up a copy of Grazia and saw they were mentioned briefly. XFM have been amongst the first to give them airplay, but it won't be long before the rest catch up and this is a band who will be huge in a few months.
For fans of: Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes, Of Monsters and Men, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Alabama Shakes.
Alt-J - Fitzpleasure
Having recently won the Mercury Prize things are looking good for Alt-J, who earlier this year were virtually unknown. I bought their debut album 'An Awesome Wave' in July and loved every song. Fitzpleasure is my personal highlight, therefore I thought I would share it with you.
For fans of: Django Django, Zulu Winter, Breton, Daughter and Bastille.
Django Django - Default
Similar to Alt-J, this band seemingly appeared out of nowhere earlier in the year. Their debut album was released in January 2012, however I've only just got into their music. Described as a "psychedelic art pop quartet" they were nominated for this year's Mercury Prize but unfortunately lost out. However things are going well so far for them and 2013 is set to be their year.
For fans of: Alt-J, Cloud Control, Howler, The 2 Bears, Tame Impala and Eugene McGuinness.
Have you listened to any of these artists before? Who is your favourite and why? What bands should I listen to next? Comment below.
Hailing from Sheffield, garage surf-pop four-piece Best Friends have already marked themselves out for greatness in 2014. It appears the musical hotbed of Sheffield has spat out another fantastic home-grown talent in the form of this group, who are influenced by the likes of The Beach Boys, Black Lips, Phil Spector and The Ramones. 
Asserting their hit potential from the opening bars of 'Happy Anniversary' which upon initial listening sounds similar to Peace's 'California Daze', Best Friends have set their own musical bar remarkably high. The clatter of sunshine-soaked melodies and fuzzy, reverb heavy guitars are illegally good and their tune 'Nosebleeds' is another that will get people talking. 
