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