This four-piece band from Kent have quietly been making a rukus on the indie-unsigned London scene. So it's a joy to see that their next single has been picked up by Too Pure Records. Mixing fuzzy guitars and warm vocals, this song sounds like summer never ended and will take you back to a warm and friendly place in a heartbeat. Vocals are restrained yet never sound out of place and the melody is more lucious than whatever your favourite flavour of Ben & Jerrys ice-cream is. Sounding like a less neurotic version of Wilco, this will please fans of country-rock and pop music alike. B-side, 'Sometimes the Sun' is just as confident a recording and sounds like the Beach Boys have relocated to the Garden of England, Kent.
It Hugs Back are playing Rockbeatstone's night at the Windmill in Brixton on Friday October 5th. Click here for more details.
Official Site | MySpace Site | 'Carefully' on YouTube | IHB interview | Backstreets III
Heroes of Switzerland - 'Wish It Away' (Club AC30, 2007)
The first thing that strikes when listening to the Heroes of Switzerland's latest single is the powerful drumming. Then, little by little, the ears adjust to the other sounds emerging from the speakers and the sound as a whole comes into its own. Melodic guitars intertwine with the bass to create music which is restrained yet anthemic at the same time.
Shoegazers will naturally love this track, yet the song is different enough to appeal to a broader spectrum. Fans of the Editors should listen to this to see how it's really done. B-Side 'Wonderland' is more of the same, yet with a rockier vibe. Definately a band to check out.
Chalou Saint Jude - 'One of my Personal Favourites' (self-release, 2007)
Formed in London, Cahalou Saint Jude may have the oddest name on the London unsigned scene but their music is far from eclectic. This is in no ways meant as a criticism - it's standard 12-bar blues based rock. What makes CSJ different is that they're so bloody good at it.
Reminiscent of the early Stones, or perhaps Kings of Leon, if you're looking for a more contemporary comparaison, this song retains an undeniable poppy element. 'One of My Favourites' is quickly becoming true to its name. Let's hope that this song is only an indication of where they can get to. They are touring London extensively, be sure to check them out, they're definately one to watch out for.
Alphabet Backwards - Polar Bear EP (self-release, 2007)
You know what, the cheap tricks do sometimes work. I received Polar Bear with a personal letter and a lollipop. No doubt they wanted me to listen to this more closely. But they needn't have bothered. This is quite simply top quality music.
Mixing elements of Nu-folk to more traditional song structure, the songs are truly original and abound with youthful enthusiasm. Lyrically intellegent, themes of personal and cultural alienation pour through the songs. There's not a duff track on this EP. If there's any justice in the world these guys will start to get the attention they deserve, lollipop or no lollipop.
Alphabet Backwards are playing Rockbeatstone's gig night at the Windmill in Brixton on Friday October 5th, click here for more information.
MySpace Site | Backstreets III