With a sound that’s somewhat akin to an illicit gathering in a church in bohemian turn of the century Paris the female quartet of Ipso Facto are an enticing proposition. The keys and beats of ‘Harmonise’ combine to produce a velveteen, smothering atmosphere while vocalist Roaslie’s vocals provide an extra level of intrigue. Ipso Facto are supporting The Last Shadow Puppets on their European tour, so expect big things!
Speaking of underage wonders, how about the Locarnos. I guess the best way of describing them would just be as an even younger Cajun Dance Party (so like 14 and 15 instead of 16 and 17), and while they definitely show their age a bit more than CDP, they also show a lot of promise. They’re sound is still pretty rough at this point, but with some professional tutelage and better production, I can see them doing big things in a few years’ time. They’ve definitely got the industry’s attention, and here are the two best cuts from their self-released debut EP, Get Your Coat On. It’s not too much to write home about now, but just you wait.
Here's a six-piece from the UK, fronted by John James Newman, a singer-songwriter we've been following as a solo artist for a couple of years. Very cool, blues-influenced rock with sprinkles of pop -- we think their Into The World EP could work well on "Red State" rock radio stations and some of the more progressive AAA outlets across the U.S. The group has dates booked in the UK through the end of the year.
In recent years we’ve hurled plenty of sassy ladies with those old style, smoky blues and R&B voices over the pond, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and Duffy have all made a name on U.S shores. Now its time for them to send something back. We always welcome gifts, and Leah Randazzo and her band are no exception. An old-skool diva with a stunning voice and fantastic original funk-tinged jazz and soul compositions.
‘90’s hangover’ could not be a more appropriate title for this track from Reading’s White Sunday, except this hangover has all the good memories of the night before with none of the sickly after-effects. Taking the best parts from 90s indie and trimming off the fat results in a massive upbeat, melodic anthem.
I like this track because it creeps the me out. ‘Ain’t it funny, I decorate my body? But I hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it,’ Monica Sharma Dogra sings on the song, ‘It’s Probably That.’ They have this kind of Gnarls Barkely vibe going on, which should be appreciated. This song could easily become a cult classic because of its originality.
Girl fronted Indie, with the charm and wit of early Smiths, and the power of Patti Smith. They have the energy to knock the socks of their rivals, the style and sound to appeal to the obligatory east London set, and the pure pop sensibilities to appeal to the mass market. They really should be a massive hit in 2008.
Like your girls a bit dirty? Girls who seductively wink at you whilst simultaneously sneering at your suspect trainer choice? Think the Sugababes if they’d actually had the nouce to do their own street styling, or Bananarama if they’d lived their teenage years in 80’s New York strip clubs instead of the Pop Factory… these girls refuse to compromise and they’re gonna be MASSIVE… .
They played Glastonbury this summer, they were selected from over 2300 entrants in Q Magazine’s New Talent competition, they’ve had Radio 1 airplay and they’ve toured America’s East Coast. Now The Franks have released their debut album Suzy Can’t Spell on indiestore, and 2008 is looking like it might just be their year “At a time where world-weary means tight-jeaned indie, emotional means EMO, and ‘popular’ means affected, this is odd, exciting, and refreshingly honest.”
"Hero" is the lead track taken from The Fine's EP. It is a beautifully orchestrated, mesmerizing tune that brings together an amalgam of influences, starting with the duo's own unique ethnic perspectives. This is one of those soothing tracks that you play on a long-haul flight to drift away high in the sky.
|
