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Cheerleader

cheerleadersounds’s avatarDescribing themselves as "Hazy electro-pop" this quintet from Philadelphia have labelled themselves accurately. With influences ranging from the Beach Boys and Pixies to the likes of Otis Redding, Philly five-piece Cheerleader started making music in the bedroom of their band members but now they've taken things further afield with a series of impressive and captivating demos.
The crisp production on tracks such as 'Do What You Want' and 'New Daze' allows vocals to flutter and warming melodies to caress ears of listeners. The twinkling chorus on the latter track is rich and layered which aids the epically delicious nature of the tunes that they exist in.
Propelled by ambition, 2014 is set to be an exciting and formative year for Cheerleader. With a forthcoming slot at this year's annual SXSW held in Austin, Texas, the level of success facing Cheerleader could soon change this spring so keep an eye out for them.

Words Lauren Wade



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Bombay Bicycle Club 'Luna'

LunaLondon four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club are en route to following in the footsteps of Foals, whose third album 'Holy Fire' turned out to be a game-changer not just for themselves but for their fans too. Now, Crouch End's finest are back with the second single 'Luna' from their fourth album 'So Long, See You Tomorrow' in which they display bright, shimmering choruses of untold potential and sun-bleached beats that will undoubtedly set hearts a-flutter.
Bombay Bicycle Club’s avatarThey may be gearing up to take their sound to bigger stages this year, but Bombay Bicycle Club are a group who haven't forgotten their roots. Comparisons to 2011's 'A Different Kind of Fix' are still easily identifiable. Although, these masters of festival-friendly anthems mesh well the sounds of the past with those of the future.
With other tracks 'Carry Me' and 'It's Alright Now' from their forthcoming fourth album already out there, Bombay Bicycle Club are once again setting their own limits and refusing to compromise. 'Luna' is a swirling slice of what's to come when their new album drops and it might just be their greatest moment to date.

 Words Lauren Wade
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Drowners

Named after Suede's debut single, New York four-piece Drowners are set to grab 2014 by the balls with their unique sound that defies category. 
With tracks that swoon like the sound of love itself, New York's best kept secret are set to release their debut self-titled album later this month and what an album that will be.
Describing themselves as "melodic post-punk influenced guitar music", their lyrical inspiration can be sourced back to actual situations that have happened - comparable to an early Arctic Monkeys circa 2006. 
Whilst they sound undeniably huge and barely miss a beat, the four lads met at a bar and Drowners was born shortly after realising they have common ground in the form of music.
Since then, Drowners have gone on to support Arctic Monkeys during recent US tour dates. Word has finally spread across to the other side of the Atlantic and now us Brits are going gaga for the thrill of Drowners.
Drowners
Until their album release, we're a little short on material although 'Luv, Hold Me Down' and 'Long Hair' both provide excellent listening. They may be a pretty big deal in their own right, but tracks such as these sound as if a healthy dose of
The Smiths blended with The Strokes has been injected. This does not come as a surprise when you take into account their New York roots. Frontman Matt Hitt's all-time favourite band is The Smiths too. If you like what you hear, be sure to give them some love and expect more noise from Drowners throughout 2014.

Words Lauren Wade

 
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Liam McClair 'How'

Manchester-based singer/songwriter Liam McClair is a stunning new talent to watch out for in 2014. Originally hailing from Cheshire, the twenty-two year old locks listeners in with an injection of smouldering vocals into his thoughtfully crafted tunes. Previously McClair has featured on BBC Introducing Merseyside and has played Liverpool Sound City.
Latest EP 'How' is a combination of stripped-back numbers which frame his vocals whilst a no frills approach is employed. Opening number 'Roam The Globe' has the beginnings of a brilliant ballad fused with heart-swelling melodies and swarming emotions of an authentic nature.

Title-track 'How' wields dizzying melodies with sleek hooks, dispatching a track that could easily soundtrack sun-faded setting. McClair is a haven for all you minimalistic darlings out there and with streaks of folk-rock and strong, sensual lyrical quality; McClair consistently packs a rucksack of emotion into everything he does.
The delivery on 'Somewhere Before' and 'Rough Waters' are equally as strong and at times it appears he could give the likes of Ben Howard and James Blake a run for their money. If you like music that displays a moody intensity then give Liam McClair a listen and you will not be disappointed. Obey your ears.

 Words Lauren Wade



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Lion Bark

Brighton four-piece Lion Bark first started life in 2012 and since then, the Bill Hicks influenced band have gone from strength to strength turning heads with their brand of self-described 'Beach Beats'.

Their impressive swirling, sweet and wistful take on 2013's indie-pop trend is performed quite spectacularly. At times their effortless pop charms appear redolent of Vampire Weekend. Latest track 'Longhorns' is taken from the forthcoming debut EP from Lion Bark which is set for release in early 2014.
Previous release 'Two Prongs' picked up support and acclaim from BBC Introducing, Clash Magazine and NME Magazine also mentioned them as a band to watch recently.
Lion Bark deal in hazy, summer jams but their slice of new-wave sound is one that will keep us going until we are greeted with the arrival of next summer.
Brighton has a growing reputation for producing bands who consistently deliver strong songs and Lion Bark are no exception; get them in your life.

Words Lauren Wade


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Saint Raymond 'Young Blood'

Saint RaymondAre you looking for an extra bit of indulgence? Something non-sugary but just as sweet? Call off the search as we present Nottingham's Saint Raymond - real name Callum Burrows. Following in the footsteps of Jake Bugg, the eighteen year old recently supported Californian sisters Haim as they jetted around the UK on a sold-out tour.
After appearing at this year's Reading & Leeds Festival on the BBC Introducing stage and having released an EP on Gabrielle Aplin's Never Fade Records, word is spreading fast about the young talent that is Saint Raymond.
Latest track 'Young Blood' incorporates soaring, shimmering synths alongside the indie-disco bounce that is the jumped-up drumbeats. Burrows at times sounds like the lovechild of Two Door Cinema Club and The 1975 - he hits the right grooves time and time again even if they do sound best suited to festival crowds.
With sun-drenched melodies and impossibly moreish hooks in abundance, Saint Raymond will inevitably be plastered amongst 2014's festival line-ups; keep an eye out for this incredible up and coming talent. The future looks bright.

Words Lauren Wade

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Darlia 'Knock Knock'

Choke On BonesEvery once in a while a band comes along with the ability to defeat every obstacle placed in front of them. They go above and beyond in the name of music and their quest for greatness is prematurely fulfilled when the hype machine latches onto their sound.
Blackpool trio Darlia are that band, specifically ones who are leading the rock revival that is predicted to last long into 2014 and beyond. Comparisons to fellow revivalist newbies Drenge and Royal Blood are likely to emerge, however Darlia choose to do things a little differently with Radio 1 playlist boss Nigel Harding describing them as "the most exciting new guitar band in the UK."
Whilst there quiet-loud dynamic contributes majorly to their appeal, don't be surprised if you find yourself feeling nostalgic of a time when Nirvana were around - Darlia blend Nirvana-esque neo-grunge riffs with gut-rumbling basslines. All of this tessellates together, reeling you in before spitting listeners out again.
Darlia’s avatarTheir debut EP 'Knock Knock' justifies the hype and leaves you scrambling for the repeat button. Taking its lyrical and stylistic cues from the 90s Seattle grunge scene, the EP is one that switches between abrasive roars to breathless intervals, leaving listeners shaken to the core.
Opening track 'Queen Of Hearts' opens in a Nirvana-esque manner and signals to keen-eyed music fans that the 1994 rock revival begins here. The Blackpool newcomers' debut release incorporates ragged, uncompromising potential hit 'Napalm' sending out a near-perfect slice of brilliance complete with crushing riffs that cascade and collide.
Fresh madness ensues on final number 'Choke On Bones' with squealing guitars drenched in rock'n'roll sleaze. Their new-wave sound and swelling riffs are deeply immersive and will see them kick up some serious dust if they continue in this direction for the foreseeable future. One final thought - Darlia only deal in epics.

 Words Lauren Wade
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Peace cover Wham!'s 'Last Christmas'

peace-2013Birmingham four-piece Peace have had an incredible 2013 - now rounding things off with a festive spin on Wham!'s classic Christmas hit 'Last Christmas'. Currently touring the UK as part of their biggest headline tour to date, the band have kicked things off in style with a celebratory video to accompany their cover version of the festive tune.
Frontman Harry Koisser released a statement explaining how their cover came to be, saying "About a week before it's beginning, we realised our approaching UK tour ran straight in to the belly of the Christmas period. Despite our Scrugicidal Tendencies, we found ourselves in a bout of excitement. A miracle perhaps?
Anyway, we ended up pit deep in the festive moment and guided by the spiritual production of Blaine Harrison, we recorded a festive cover and shot some video doing it.
Here it is. Have a wonderful December xxxx"
Watch Peace's cover of 'Last Christmas' below and check out their remaining tour dates.
December
03 - East Village Arts Club, Liverpool
05 - Academy, Oxford
06 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London (SOLD OUT)
07 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London
08 - Pyramid, Portsmouth
10 - Waterfront, Norwich
11 - Ritz, Manchester
12 - Anson Rooms, Bristol
13 - Academy, Birmingham

 Words Lauren Wade
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Superfood 'Melting'

Forming the flipside of their double A-side with former hit 'Bubbles', Birmingham outfit Superfood's new track 'Melting' is one that finds them transporting listeners all the way back to 1993.
The omnipresent 90s vibes and subtle, yet exciting key changes allow the polished track from the Brummie four-piece to flourish, although any deep meaning tucked behind the lyrics are left ambiguous. Not all bands can get away with it, but when you sound so gloriously carefree, who cares how nonsensical and meaningful the words they muster up are? We certainly don't; focus on their tranquilising neo-grunge sound instead.
Having been announced to support Wolf Alice at Koko's NYE Ball, it appears Superfood are quickly finding themselves playing on bigger stages to bigger crowds as the clock ticks. The only question left to ponder upon, is what will 2014 have in store for the group? We can only speculate, but a safe bet should be placed on something beneficial and nutritious.

Words Lauren Wade
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Fever

If you're a fan of The Wytches' brand of psychedelic surf-doom, then prep your ears for a similar treat arriving in the form of Southampton-based four-piece Fever. With distorted guitars galore and impassioned vocals by the bucket load, the band also drape themselves in memorable melodies and blaze with promise.

Not much is known about Fever, although a main ambition of the group is to be "popular enough to be able to slap Harry Styles and get away with it." Enlisting the production skills of Wild Smiles' Chris Peden, Fever's debut track 'Shell Shock' is one that employs psychedelic power riffs - veering  away from accusations of being just another group of throwaway surf revivalists.
What differs and works to their credit is that there is none of that hazy, paisley business going on, no drug-induced drones either. 'Shell Shock' is blanketed by a washed out riff that loops throughout the track and leaves Fever indebted only to themselves.
If you're looking for a slice of psych that leaves the flower power mentality securely locked away; you've come to the right place. Before you know it, you'll have a Fever taking over your body and we're not talking about the virus.

 Words Lauren Wade

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Bombay Bicycle Club 'Carry Me'

London indie four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club have dropped a storming first taste from their forthcoming fourth album, due for release on February 3rd 2014. With a tangible absence from the music scene since 2011's 'A Different Kind of Fix' the band led by Jack Steadman have crafted a percussive, layered number that enlists the backing vocals of Lucy Rose.
Having premiered on BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe's evening show early last week, the intricate instrumentation of 'Carry Me' slots together smoothly, combining sounds of the past with those of the future. The group have pumped their abilities to full power and thrown in a majestic groove that continues throughout the duration of the sub-five minute track.
Summer may be over, but Bombay Bicycle Club aren't letting us forget the sizzling season in a rush. Their latest effort illuminates hazy memories; you'll almost be able to feel the rays bite at your skin before reality returns in full-force.

Words Lauren Wade
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The Rebel Light 'Jukebox Dream'

If you like your music with throwback vibes; Southern-Californian trio The Rebel Light are your go-to guys. Basking in all its DIY glory, their new track 'Jukebox Dream' is driven by retro-tinged guitar lines that flow into smooth instrumentation, accompanied by a crisp vocal.
Carving out a personality of their own, the trio sweep listeners into a dreamy, hazy state where the 60s never ended and overdosing on flower power riffs is considered standard practise. Lyrics like "I fell for you, I got a love that's come true" are textbook but nothing can be deducted from the feel-good factor at work here. Looking to recapture a part of that 60s spirit? Give a listen to this Lennonesque group and prepare to fall slowly and then all at once for their light-hearted thrills.

Words Lauren Wade

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Apes & Horses 'Bleu Nuit'

Mix Foals with The Maccabees, adding in a drop of psychedelia for good measure and you get Apes & Horses - a distinctly unique four-piece from Paris. Managed by Warren Bramley, the man responsible for the magic of Manchester band Wu Lyf, the group are beginning to build an impressive record of achievements. 2012 saw them release their debut single 'The Fields' and bag a support slot for Graham Coxon.  Now it's left to their debut EP 'Bleu Nuit' to send them soaring into success.
 
Opening number 'Seas' is a slow-burning treat on the ears that smoulders in a classy, minimalist set-up. Pillow-talk vocals caress and tickle leaving the hairs on your arms pointedly on edge. The circling riff that ushers in 'Minuit' furthers comparisons to Foals, yet the Parisians set themselves apart from the Oxford quintet by colouring their sound with faded melodies and beats that are laid slow throughout daring yet delightful instrumentation.
 
As the EP draws to a close, listeners are sucked into the murky world of 'Blue' with its reverby guitar and sad eeriness that combines to craft a mellowed tonic of a track; ideal for allowing listeners to gradually float back into reality, even if they do come over a tad too comparable to The XX at times.

It may still be early days for the French youngsters but XFM have already picked them up for radio airplay. As well as this, The Guardian's Paul Lester has previously mentioned them as a talent to watch out for. If they continue to formulate blissed out murky hazes - they're definitely on the right path and everybody will be soaking up their warming grooves before long.

 
 
 
 
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Reverend And The Makers announce 2014 UK tour

Sheffield-based indie-pop group Reverend And The Makers have announced a 2014 February/March tour. The live dates will see them play to fans across the country in twelve venues. Tickets go on sale November 1st.
 
Having previously opened for Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, the band released their third album '@Reverend_Makers' in June 2012. You can now pre-order their fourth album 'Thirty Two' and a new song called 'Your Girl' is available to download for free once you have ordered the album.
 
Reverend And The Makers will play:
 
February 2014
25th - LMUSU, Leeds
26th - The Welly Club, Hull
27th - O2 Academy, Birmingham
28th - 53 Degrees, Preston
 
March 2014
1st - O2 Academy, Liverpool
5th - The Ritz, Manchester
7th - O2 Academy, Sheffield
8th - Rock City, Nottingham
10th - The Fleece, Bristol
11th - Concorde 2, Brighton
12th - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
13th - Electric Ballroom, Camden, London
 
 
 
 
 
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WATCH: Queens of the Stone Age 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory'

WATCH the teaser trailer for Californian desert rockers Queens of the Stone Age's forthcoming video 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory'. Enlisting the directorial talents of Kii Arens and Jason Trucco, the band have created an 'interactive' video that will be unveiled to fans on October 30th.

Made in conjunction with The Creators Project, the minute long trailer features frontman Josh Homme surrounded by a questionable amount of taxidermy. The musician also holds a cane and turns to stare piercingly into the camera - what's not love?
 
It was recently announced that Queens of the Stone Age will embark on a co-headline tour of Australia in 2014 with Nine Inch Nails. The headliners for each night of the tour will be decided by a coin toss to keep it equal.
 
An announcement on Nine Inch Nails' Tumblr page read: "The first headline band on stage will be decided each night by the toss of a coin. The eight date run is set to begin at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 6 March, 2014 and continue on visiting Newcastle, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Christchurch."
  


 
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Jake Bugg 'Slumville Sunrise'

Nottingham-born teenage rocker Jake Bugg has unveiled his latest Rick Rubin produced track 'Slumville Sunrise'. Taken from the singer's forthcoming second album 'Shangri La', Bugg's latest offering picks up where first taster 'What Doesn't Kill You' left off.
 
Packed with razor-sharp riffs and phenomenal guitar solos, Jake Bugg appears to have found his sound - a curious hint as to what Arctic Monkeys would sound like if they upped the 60s vibes and invited The Strypes to collaborate on a track or two. The latter half of the tune, seems like it would feel more at home in the peak of Britpop, although Bugg has whipped up yet another dose of straight up rock'n'roll for the masses to devour.
 
 
 
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Burning Condors 'Last Train Home'

Following the release of their debut album 'Round Our Way' last month, London four-piece Burning Condors are back with the brilliant 'Last Train Home'. The track sees the group sounding like they've spent far too much time holed up in Joshua Tree with Josh Homme and co; expect a storm of frenzied beats and chest-thumping volume.
 
A tune that is likely to see them heighten their standing, 'Last Train Home' opens with a riff that allows them to sound like returning heroes. Whilst, we find them in stoner rock mode once more, the tired comparisons to Queens of the Stone Age can well and truly be dropped - Burning Condors craft music that is undeniably theirs time and time again and will unquestionably propel them to further success.
 
'Last Train Home' is released via Snakehand Records on Monday October 28th.
 
 
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Thom Morecroft 'You're Wrong About Me'

Liverpool based singer/songwriter Thom Morecroft (originally from Shropshire) is back with new single 'You're Wrong About Me' featuring fully developed clean playing and a corrosively beautiful nature. The sub-four minute track is a dreamy wonder from start to finish, although it's the dusty yet accessibly hooky chorus that sparks attention.
 
Morecroft sticks to his trademark winning formula of folkpop acoustic numbers and it's at this point where subtlety replaced bravado, in a manner that grabs you by the scruff of your collar and demands you listen to these delicate sounds. Any new offering from Thom Morecroft is bound to be special, but 'You're Wrong About Me' is sharp, emotive and accomplished; it shows exactly what he's capable of. Let's hope this track sees him move on to bigger and better things soon.
 
 
 
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The Illustrations '18th Century Romantic Poets'

Swindon duo, The Illustrations stand apart from their fellow musicians, blending a mix of nu-psych rock with breathy, pillow-talk vocals. Their track '18th Century Romantic Poets' opens with a psychedelic corkscrew riff that sets the pace for what's to follow in the next four and a bit minutes.  
 
Sounding slightly like The Beatles 'Get Back' in places, the sheer force of their sound cannot and shouldn't be undermined. Whilst, they may be fairly unknown in the industry, the instrumentation is strung together professionally with additional polish that sees them destined for bigger things. Still not convinced? What really works here is that they're not trying to outshine each other, they harmonise in every possible sense of the word, resulting in an end product that's slick and waiting to be unwrapped. Give them a listen - it'll be the best decision you'll make all day.



 
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Jake Bugg 'What Doesn't Kill You'

Nottingham-born singer/songwriter Jake Bugg is back doing what he does best on the new single taken from his forthcoming second studio album 'Shangri La' due for release on 18 September.
 
After working with legendary producer, Rick Rubin, Bugg unleashed the new track on Tuesday (24) which was received to rave reviews on social media sites. The sub-three minute tune has been described by some as like "Arctic Monkeys on helium" although the rockier direction Bugg has moved into is a bold step for the 19 year old.
 
Whilst some might require a few listens to fully appreciate this latest offering, you'll definitely be slipping on your leather jacket and vibing hard after leaving some time for the punchy, fast-paced riffs to sink in and circle your mind for the remainder of the day.
 
Jake Bugg's debut self-titled album is nominated for the Mercury Prize 2013. You can catch him on his upcoming UK tour throughout October and November.
 
 
 
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