Dexters

Dexters are an upbeat-indie 5-piece who's music has recently been described by NME as "Brash guitar anthemia of the very highest quality" (At least they're right about something). The band have been packing out nights at venues such as KOKO and have recently landed some big support slots. Miles Kane asked the band support him at his gig in Reading having seen them perform as part of the This Feeling club night. Following this, Dexters then hit the road to support Manchester rockers The Courteeners for the Scottish leg of their tour. The London lads seem to be going from strength to strength and they very recently played an acoustic set the infamous Abbey Road Studios. As for their songs, there is only a few tracks available to listen to. However, 'Recover' is a lively song with a catchy chorus and 'Oceans' is a powerful, off-the-hook, rock 'n' roll track which is definitely worth listening to.

Dexters appear to be on the road to big things and 2013 may be a big year for the lads. If their recent success is anything to go by, they will definitely be packing out even bigger venues sooner rather than later. You can download 'Oceans'  for free here - http://dexters.bandcamp.com/track/oceans-demo

https://www.facebook.com/dextersband

Hip Parade

Hip Parade are a Glasgow based indie-rock band formed in 2008. The band enjoyed early success as they made it to the Final of Channel 4's Orange Unsigned Act competition in 2009. They finished second behind fellow Scotsman Tommy Reilly. Following the show the band went onto support Stereophonics and then release their debut album 'I'll Be Your Audience'.

Released in April 2012, the Glasgow rockers debut effort was - considering the state of the music industry - refreshing to say the least. 'I'll Be Your Audience' has all the characteristics of a great album. Its loud, exuberant and driven from beginning to end. There isn't really a weak track on it (rare these days). 'Talk To Me' has a delicate, catchy riff which blends into the most powerful of choruses and  'Katie Goes Dancing' is a frantic, guitar-driven masterpiece.

If this album album is anything to go by, Hip Parade's second album should see them get the credit they deserve. If anyone enjoys listening to The Fratellis or Franz Ferdinand, you's will love these lads. The album is available on ITunes and Spotify.

https://www.facebook.com/hipparade?fref=ts

http://twitter.com/hipparade

The Preventers

The Preventers are Cumbernauld based band with a unique sound. Its hard to pigeon-hole them to any one particular genre, but its definitely somewhere between blues and soul - with a bit of rock in there somewhere as well. Its clear that their influences lie with the likes of Elvis Presley and Paolo Nutini and regardless of how you want to label them, these guys have something in their music. They gig regularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow and have played venues such as The Classic Grand and headlined the Cabaret Volitaire.

The band recently released a new single entitled 'One Last Night', and its one that I would definitely recommend. The track 'One Last Night' is upbeat and likable from the very start and there is nothing to dislike when the full band kick into a fast-paced elevating chorus. The second track from the single is 'Irreplaceable Love', a slower and perhaps more tame effort from the Cumbernauld lads. However, it is in its own right, just as good as the main track from the single and definitely worth listening to. The band have enjoyed success with 'One Last Night' as it was recently played by Forth One DJ Jim Gellately on his new music podcast.

With tracks like 'One Last Night', It may not be long before The Preventers follow in the foot steps of the likes of Paolo Nutini. The single - as well as many other tracks and an E.P - can be found  be found on the bands Soundcloud page - http://soundcloud.com/the-preventers

https://www.facebook.com/ThePreventers

Black Balloons

Black Balloons are a band who in their short existence, have achieved a lot. Formed in March 2012, the Bathgate band have just released their debut E.P. This was followed by the release of a video for their song 'This House', which features on that E.P. They have also landed support slots with the likes of Sound of Guns, The Soft Pack and Vigo Thieves. However, perhaps most impressively, the band are now being considered for a spot on the infamous Pyramid Stage at this years Glastonbury Festival. They've survived a selection process which included 8,000 bands and has now been whittled down to a mere 8.

The debut E.P from the 'garage pop' 4-piece is definitely worth a listen. You can't go wrong the opening track 'Follow Me' - it's frantic, catchy and uplifting from beginning to end. 'Pills', which is perhaps not as catchy as the first track, is every bit as impressive and third track 'This House' is almost impossible to dislike.  'Where I Lay My Head' brings to a close what is an outstanding debut effort from Black Balloons.

There is a lot more to come from this band, and maybe we'll see them perform at Glastonbury in the summer.  Free downloads of 'Plastic Prayers' and 'Rascal' - the track which has saw them to the last eight of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent contest can be found here - http://blackballoons.bandcamp.com/. You can also purchase their E.P on ITunes.

https://www.facebook.com/BlackBalloonsTunes

Red Light Company - Artist Review

In Red Light Company we have another band that only just scratched the surface of the music industry. The alternative rock five piece were formed in 2007 by frontman Richard Frenneaux. They produced a style of music similar to Arcade Fire and Editors. They even drew comparisons to both bands early on in there short careers. The band also toured with Editors in 2008 before releasing there debut single on LaVolta Records entitled 'With Light Out'. This was followed up by the release of two other singles in 'Meccano' and 'Sceme Eugene'.

The bands reputation began to grow and they were named in NME's hottest new bands of 2009. On March, 2, 2009 the band released there debut and only album 'Fine Fascination', as well as fourth single 'Arts & Crafts'. The album peaked at number 13 in the UK album charts but received mixed reviews from the musical world.  From a personal point of view, I feel that the London quintet produced a magnificant debut album which is uplifting throughout.

Shortly after the release of 'Fine Fascination' the band split and they played there last gig at the 2009 V Festival. RLC front man Richard Frenneaux soon formed a band called 'Anothers Blood', a project that never really left the ground. He has since annouced he will no longer be involved in bands and would like to concentrate on producing. RLC could've made a massive impact on the music industry, but it didn't work out for the alternative quintet. However there album 'Fine Fascination' is definitely worth a listen and is without a doubt one of the strongest albums out there.

'Fine Fascination' best tracks - 'Arts & Crafts', 'With Lights Out' and 'First We Land'

Palma Violets

Palma Violets, the new Libertines? Or simply a passing note in an otherwise turbulent time for the music industry?

The psychedelic indie quartet are yet to release an album, but the hype surrounding the London based bands debut effort is growing. The album will be entitled '180' and will be released on the 15th Febuary. The band have already gained superb reviews throughtout the musical world and have even been compared to The Libertines. NME ranked Palma Violets first single "Best Of Friends" number 1 in there 50 best tracks of 2012. It was also announced that the band had been nominated for the BBC's 'Sound of 2013' poll.

With the release of there eagerly anticipated debut album on the horizon the future look bright for the dynamic London 4 piece. However, one cant help think they might be being pushed into the spotlight too quickly by the likes of NME. These lads are definitley a band to watch, but by my reckoning, they may not quite live up to the expectation of being the next Libertines.

Milburn - Artist Review

Milburn were a 4-piece indie-rock band from Sheffield. Joe Carnall, Louis Carnall, Tom Rowely and Joe Green made up what is probably one of the best bands never to make it in the industry.

Formed in 2001, all of Milburns members had just learned how to play instruments. However by 2002, they had sold out the boardwalk in Sheffield, played twice at Liverpools infamous venue The Cavern and also had been on the bill at The Leadmill. Following there massive local success, fellow Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys rewarded them with a support slot on their UK tour,  and it wasnt long before Milburn were signed by Mercury records in 2006.

The bands first release at Mercury was the single "Send In The Boys" which reached number 32 in the UK singles chart. Following this the band released there debut album "Well, Well, Well". This would peak at number 32 in the UK charts. The album itself explodes into life when the guitar in lead off track 'Well, Well, Well' kicks the doors in. This exploiveness is seen again in fast-paced debut single 'Send In The Boys'. We then encounter the uplifting track 'Cheshire Cat Smile'. The album begins to wind down when we come to 'What You Could've Won', a song that frontman Joe Carnall claims that even his dad has bounced to....The album is rounded off with slow-moving track 'Roll Out The Barrel' which is without a doubt one of the best tracks on this tremendous debut album.

The Sheffield lads went on to quickly release there second album "These Are The Facts" in 2007.  The band released one single from this album which was "What Will You Do?(When The Money Goes)". The album is slightly dark in parts compared to there first effort and perhaps not as strong, but still a great effort from the indie four piece. The album is kick started into life with the first track 'Lo And Behold'. This urgency continues as the bands only single from album comes into play. The album is strong throughout and is rounded off with the heart-felt lyrics of 'The Genius In The Tramp'.

In March 2008, Milburn annouced they were going to split. They revealed there had been no fall-outs and said it was simply because they felt they could go no further. They annouced two more gigs to round off what really had been a fantastic journey. They would play the Glasgow ABC and sign off back where it all began in Sheffield. The band closed there emotional and intimate set in Glasgow with Joe Carnall and the entire crowd singing "You can't put your head in your hands forever", the chorus to 'The Genius And The Tramp'.

Milburn never quite made there mark on the industry, and never quite made it. However these lads left a legacy with two tremendous albums and a great relationship with there fans throughout there existance. You cant help think that had Arctic Monkeys not been around at the same time, Milburn could have been the voice of the Sheffield music scene. It's a sin that Milburn didn't get there, but it was a valient effort from 4 tremendous lads from Sheffield.

Best tracks from 'Well, Well, Well' - 'Send In The Boys', 'Roll Out The Barrel' and 'What You Could've Won'

Best Tracks from 'These Are The Facts' - 'The Genius And The Tramp', 'Wolves At Bay' and 'What Will You Do?(When The Money Goes)'

Miles Kane - Artist Review

 

 

Miles Kanes music career began with indie rock 5-piece The Little Flames back in 2004. The band released one studio album entitled "The Day Is Not Today" and released three singles in 'Put Your Dukes Up John', 'Goodbye Little Rose' and 'Isobella'. The Little Flames were fans of sheffield band Arctic Monkeys and were chosen to support Alex Turner and co. on there UK tour back in 2006. Support also came from Sheffield indie-rockers Milburn, and John McLures Reverend and The Makers. Following this Arctic Monkeys did a cover of The Little Flames track 'Put Your Dukes Up John' which would feature on their single 'Leave Before The Lights Come On'. Despite this, The Little Flames enjoyed almost no success in their short existance and soon split in 2007.

 

Miles Kane then went on to form 'The Rascals' with Joe Edwards and Greg Mighall(both formerly of The Little Flames). The Rascals formed in 2007 and played a brand of pshyco indie-rock influenced by the likes of 60's singer-songwriter Scott Walker. The band would only release one studio album entitled Rascalize. They also went on to support Arctic Monkeys on another UK tour. The Rascals also featured in the british film Awaydays in 2009 covering an Echo and The Bunnymen song. Shortly after, the band then announced their split and Miles Kane would go on to pursue a solo career.

 

Despite trying to pursue a solo career, Miles went on to form The Last Shadow Puppets with Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and Simian Mobile Disco drummer James Ford. The band was a side project and they have only released one studio album but Alex and Miles insist the project is not finished. Their debut album entitled 'The Age of The Understatement' was met with superb critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize. They toured the album and played Glastonbury in 2008, during which they were joined on stage by Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and The White Stripes frontman Jack White. Hopefully we've not seen the last of this outstanding side-project.

 

Following the completion of The Last Shadow Puppets tour, Miles finally embarked upon his solo career in 2009. He signed with Columbia records and released his first single 'Inhaler' in 2010. He began to play a string of live shows supporting the likes of The Courteeners and Beady Eye. The release of 'Inhaler' was followed up by 'Come Closer' and 'Rearrange'. The debut album 'Colour of The Trap' was released in May 2011 and was hugely successful reaching number 11 in the UK charts. It was met with a largely positive reception with online music blog All-Noise stating that if Miles can follow up his debut well "he just might become unstoppable". However, Jamie Crossman of NME said that 'Colour of The Trap' "wasnt quite the perfect debut album". Miles Kane has gone on to play sold out solo shows up and down the UK, lighting up venues wherever he goes with his lively, engaging performances.

 

Now an established figure within the British music industry, the Liverpool rocker is being branded as the next Paul Weller. With a second album from The Last Shadow Puppets, and a second solo album on the horizon, I for one cant wait to see what the future has in store for Miles Kane.

 

The Little Flames best track - 'Put Your Dukes Up John"

The Rascals best tracks - ' I'd Be Lying To You', 'Freakbeat Phantom' and 'Out of Dreams'

Miles Kane best solo tracks - 'Inhaler', 'Rearrange' and 'Counting Down The Days'. Would also recommend 'First Of My Kind'.

Viva Brother - Artist Review

 

 

Well, where to even start with Viva Brother? Formed in 2010 under the original name Brother, they enjoyed a quick rise to fame. A demo of what would be the bands first single 'Darling Buds of May' recieved plays on radio 1 from Zane Lowe who described it as "A beautiful, innocent pop-rock song". The self-proclaimed Gritpop 4-piece were then quickly signed to Geffen Records in October 2010. The band entered the studio at the beggining of 2011 with producer Stephen Street who had previously worked with Morrissey, Blur, and more recently The Courteeners. Shortly after being signed, frontman Leonard Newell began to spread the hype surrounding the band by saying he wants the Slough 4-piece "to be the biggest band in the world".

 

Controversy occurred in the run up to the release of there much anticipated debut album "Famous First Words". The band were forced to change their name after a legal battle with an Autrailian Celtic band. Viva Brother was the name they went forward with.

 

Finally 'Famous First Words' hit the shelves on August, 1, 2011. However despite the hype and anticipation surrounding the so-called saviours of british guitar music, the album was met with awful reviews from the likes of NME. It was branded "a dissapointing, formulaic debut album" by the New Musical Express, giving it a cold 5/10. Despite this, I would have to disagree. The album begins with the thumping introduction of 'New Years Day' in which the britpop toned guitars are introduced. 'Otherside' kicks in with a spacey, Noel Gallagher-esque guitar riff before the band batter down the walls and kick into to a chorus. It is clear to see throughout the album the bands desperate attempts to replicate what their Manchester idols Oasis did in the 90's.

 

The Bands debut album undoubtedly had the potential to start a revolution within the british music scene. However with crictical bashings from NME and fans alike, on April 1, 2012, the band decided to call it day. It was originally thought to be an April fools hoax, but was later confirmed that the band had split. Having recorded a second album that will never see the light of day, these 4 lads from Slough signed off with one more song in 'I Don't Want To Be Loved". As frontman Leonard Newell reveals the bands emotions in a chrorus that goes "I don't want to be loved, but I need to be loved" and "If i snooze the alarm, then will anybody notice Im gone" this is sadly the last we'll hear from Viva Brother.

 

Famous First Words is definitely worth a listen.

Stand out tracks - Darling Buds of May, New Years Day, Fly By Nights

 

 

Band Of The Week - Sons And Lovers

Sons And Lovers are a 4-piece indie-electro band from London. 'Set My Heart' is a stand-out song that could pave the way to top for Sons and Lovers. With the vocals similar to those of 'The Maccabees' Orlando Weeks, the London based band seem destined for great things in the industry and it would be a sin for them not to make it. Having recently lit up venues up and down the UK supporting Ellie Goulding on her tour, the band seem on there way to big things. If 'Set My Heart' and 'King' are anything to go by, then its only a matter of time before we hear what promises to be a fantastic debut album from the London 4-piece. Check them out....https://www.facebook.com/sonsandlovers

'Sons And Lovers' best track - 'Set My heart'

The Boxer Rebellion - Artist Review

Formation And Release of 'Exits'
Formed in 2001, The Boxer Rebellion are an 4-piece indie band with members coming from America, Australia and Britain. They were once touted as the band to lead British guitar music out of the Oasis/Radiohead dominated era. Following support slots with Lenny Kravitz at Wembley arena, and a slot on the bill at Glastonbury, the band were signed to Alan McGee's Poptone records in 2003. The band then released they're debut album "Exits" under Poptone. The album was met with rave reviews with John Winters of online music magazine 'Drowned In Sound" saying the albums stand out track 'Watermelon' "captured the urgency the likes of BRMC would kill for". The album was also met with great reviews from the likes of Kerrang! and NME.

'Exits' best track - Watermelon

'Unions'
Following Poptones demise in 2007, the band were left unsigned and continued like this for the release of  'Unions', the bands second studio album. 'Union' enjoyed tremendous commercial success peaking at number 2 in the iTunes alternative charts, second only to Kings Of Leon's 'Only By The Night'. The Boxer Rebellion became the first unsigned band to break into the billboard top 100, coming in at number 82 on a digital only release. This was due to the fact that this album was self funded and they simply could not afford to make physical copies. Tracks from this album appeared on american hit TV show One Tree Hill and featured on the soundtrack for the film Going the Distance. All in all, the bands first self release 'Unions' enjoyed huge musical and commercial success.

'Unions' best track - Spitting Fire

'The Cold Still'
The band decided to remain unsigned for the release of their third studio album, 'The Cold Still'. This album didn't enjoy the same commercial success, or rave reviews as 'Exits' or 'Unions'. However, musically 'The Cold Still' definitely rivals both albums 1 and 2. The album peaked at number 20 on iTunes and featured on the soundtrack for the game Batman: Arkham City. 'The Cold Still' is definitely heavier in parts compared to 'Exits' and 'Unions' and the band have grown similar to the likes of BRMC. They do nonetheless maintain that unique-indie sound throughout and as a result it must be said that the band are growing with the release of every album. Perhaps hard to top 'Unions', however still a tremendous album.

'The Cold Still' best track - Step Out Of The Car

Today's British music scene seems to be crying out for the next Manchester based band to take the reins of the industry like Oasis did. However, with no band in sight, The Boxer Rebellion may be what the industry needs to kick start the heart British indie music.