The Past Is A Foreign Land

The Secret History
Genre: Indie / Glam / Melodramatic Popular Song From: New York City, New York, United States

The Secret History was formed in 2007 by songwriter Michael Grace Jr., best known for acclaimed cult indie pop band My Favorite and also features vocalist (cue shameless name dropping) Lisa Ronson, daughter of Bowie guitarist, and glamrock legend Mick Ronson.

The Secret History continues as a vehicle for Grace’s myth and monster laden song writing, which unfolds across cinematic landscapes…part New York in the late 1970s, part Sicily at the turn of the last century, part Nowhere. The sound itself, created by longtime collaborators Darren Amadio on guitar, Todd Karrasik on drums, Gil Abad on bass, and Kurt Brondo on keys, is a kind of continental art rock, combining the rainy jangles of C86, the stomp of glam, the innocence of the girl groups, and the anxiety of disco. Comparisons to Roxy Music, The Patti Smith Group, Felt and The Smiths scratch the surface. The words form the libretto of a mope rock opera, concerning the members of a fictional band called The Haunted Hearts. Their stories parallel Grace’s own, whose decade long relationship with My Favorite’s vocalist disintegrated in 2001, to be followed shortly after by the disintegration of the band…which had consumed his entire adult life.

The band's debut ep 'Desolation Town' is full of religious references from lead track 'It’s Not The End of The World, Jonah' to the biblical meditation on the death of music of 'Mark & John (Bring on The Glitter Kids)' and the painted saints of the ep's final track 'Our Lady of Pompeii' a deep tale of the alienation of an Iraq War soldier.

Other tracks on the EP include the no wave psychedelia of 'Obelisk' and Spector-esque slab of anthem pop of 'The Ballad of The Haunted Hearts' which is a beautiful marriage of 'Still Ill' and 'Like a Rolling Stone' .

Go Try

MP3 - The Secret History - The Ballad Of The Haunted Hearts
MP3 - The Secret History - Our Lady Of Pompeii
MP3 - The Secret History - It's Not The End Of The World, Jonah
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with the permission of Fanatic Promotion so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

The Secret History - Myspace // Blogsite
Label - Le Grand Magistery // Le Grand Magistery Myspace

Go View

The Secret History
Our Lady of Pompeii




If you like these you'll love Michael Grace's new band...

MP3 - My Favorite - Berlin
MP3 - My Favorite - Le Monster
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are linked direct from Lost Detective.Com and are therefore freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Slow Down They're Taking You Over...

The Drowners
Genre: Indie / Punk / Alternative From: London, United Kingdom

Cockney glam punk trio The Drowners (not to be confused with the Swedish powerpop group, The Drowners), are named after the Suede song of the same name (why did I write of the same name isn't that obvious!).

With a look that's best described as impoverished Manic Street Preachers it's hardly surprising that there's a Manics feel to the tracks on their myspace site

Check out 'Not A Love Song', unfortunately not a glam punk take on the PIL classic, a rough, raging, fearsome beast of a track that pummels you into submission with stilleto sharp guitars that could cut glass and a chorus that takes refuge in your brain and refuses to leave. It's angry, agit pop that Richey Edwards (it couldn't be, could it?) would have been proud to call his own.

The Drowners are 4 Real and they're taking you over.

Go Try

MP3 - The Drowners - Not A Love Song
If anyone from the IFPI is reading this track is published with the permission of the artist so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

The Drowners - Myspace

Great Smashing Super

Super 700
Genre: Alternative / Melodramatic Popular From: Berlin, Germany

If there is one band that truly knows their sound and how to capitalize it, Super 700 might just be it. With eerie and epic rock noises flowing in every direction throughout the bands new album, 'Lovebites', Super 700 is sure to spread its viral bites of love across the ocean from Germany to the American cult-fans of bands like M83 and Goldfrapp.

What the first worldwide download 'Tango' promised, they delivered with their second album 'Lovebites': 13 tracks that will wreck royal palaces, illuminate the darkest forests and makes the time disappear while listening on your iPod or your home stereo. 'Lovebites' is infectious and addictive, but remains mysterious. Take 'S.T.T.S.M.C' (abbreviated for 'Somebody Tried To Steal My Car'), a sweet elegant late summer rain pop song or the dangerous and unconventional, 'Second In Line' with oriental strings and forceful percussion breaks.

Super 700 are wild and smart, gorgeous and dishevelled, progressive and totally focused, very normal and extremely cool. If you still doubt the heroic qualities of the Berlin 7 piece, just listen to this record! All doubters should list as well. Super 700 is on its way. They'll leave Lovebites on your necks.

Go Try

MP3 - Super 700 - Somebody Tried To Steal My Car

Go Visit

Super 700 - Myspace // Website

Go View

Super 700
Somebody Tried To Steal My Car

Super700 - S.T.T.S.M.C. (Somebody Tried To Steal My Car)



Reckless Sons
Genre: Rock / Blues / Rock
From: New York, United States

With a lyrical penance to Replacements mastermind Paul Westerberg, and a guitar-led scrum that harkens back to the days of the Dolls, this downtown quartet has been packing clubs in New York’s Lower East Side for close to two years now. But you can even ask NYC’s bums, that’s what happens when the music is perfectly sloppy, and dangerously unhinged.

So, as the story goes, on the strength of their self-released, dirty dusty Texas-produced Don’t You Dare EP, and one hell of a live show, the Reckless Sons stopped the Gotham rock scene dead in its tracks, forcing an entire city to take notice of their garage-y nuggets and punch-drunk rock n roll. Next thing you know? London calling, as the Sons embarked on a month-long tour of Britain, which culminated in a main-stage appearance at Brighton’s Beachdown festival. Produced in deep Brooklyn by Ben Rice (The Mooney Suzuki and Change The Station), their latest Everybody Knows EPis scheduled for a May bow. With all that said, Reckless Sons are gearing up for their busiest year yet, which kicks off in style at the old CBGB’s space in Manhattan – what fashionistas likely know as the John Varvatos Store – on March 5th.

Go Try

MP3 - Reckless Sons - Hate To Love You Again

Go Visit

Reckless Sons - Myspace // Website

Go View

Reckless Sons
Blood

Touched by...

Spiritual Mansions
Genre: Indie / Psychedelic / Coma-Pop
From: Minneapolis, Minnesota
United States

Last Saturday Spiritual Mansions played to a large crowd in St. Paul, Minn. to celebrate the release of their new album, 'Touched.'

They've also had some nice things said about them recently. Like these kind words from The Minnesota Daily:

'Touched' is a strong debut from a weird but impressively polished young group. The cathartic quality of the earnestly girl-centric songwriting, the unclassifiable nature of the arrangements and the undeniable pop sensibilities of the record are all enviable weapons that Spiritual Mansions have at their disposal. Having penned such a wholly listenable record this soon in a career sets the bar for follow-ups understandably high, but Spiritual Mansions lend no evidence that they’ll do anything but impress.

Go Try

MP3 - Spiritual Mansions - Smart Hurts

Go Visit

Spiritual Mansions - Myspace
Label - Afternoon Records // Afternoon Records Myspace

Low Slung Sweet Chariot

Charlie Ashcroft's Low Slung Podcast

Episode 13 of the Low Slung Podcast is available with music from six ruddy marvellous new bands.

There's the punk energy of Bristol's Mathematics, the brooding melodies of fellow Bristolians The Goodness, the stunning lo-fi of Brooklyn's Another Day On Earth, some huge modern pop from London's Lunar Youth, an aggressive blast by fellow cockneys The Drowners and the self-styled industropop of Hot Beds also from good old London town.

But that's not all there's the wrongful arrest of Don McLean, your favourite Steve Buscemi movies revealed and reasons why Akon and T-Pain are going out for lunch.

Episode 13 not so unlucky after all.

Go Try

Low Slung Podcast Episode 13

Go Visit

Low Slung - Myspace

If you like this you'll love the latest Low Slung Podcast...

MP3 - Hot Beds - Hong Kong Garden (Siouxsie & The Banshees Cover)
If anyone from the IFPI is reading this track is linked direct from Filthy Little Angels and is therefore freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Walking Tall

The Stilts
Genre: Rock / Rock / Rock
From: London, United Kingdom

The Stilts' are a cockney four-piece garage power pop outfit who look like the English cousins of the Strokes and sound like a harder rocking version of The Knack.

'Stalker' is a disturbing tale of obsession with the scary chorus of 'I know your name, I know your name' while 'Sunshine Breaks' is a more laid back slice of fuzz up that strays dangerously into Dire Straits territory but emerges with it's dignity intact.

If they can curb their occassional forays into trad dad rock then The Stilts could be walking tall.

Go Try

MP3 - The Stilts - Stalker
MP3 - The Stilts - Sunshine Breaks
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from The Stilts so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

The Stilts - Myspace

Michna Tours North America w/ Raw Paw (Live Band)

Michna
Genre: Pop / Pop / Pop
From: The Entire East Coast, New York, United States

In the months since Ghostly International released Michna’s full-length debut, the gleaming booty-electro opus 'Magic Monday', Adrian Michna’s been a busy guy, DJing around NYC as DJ Egg Foo Young, cooking up a storm, and assembling a four-piece band, Raw Paw, to support his live-show experience: Raw Paw. Michna and his Raw Paw quartet, feat. the legendary System D-128 on A/V and synths, will be heading out on tour (his first since the October 2008 release of Magic Monday) this February and March.

Go Try

MP3 - Michna - Italian Visitor
MP3 - Michna - Swiss Glide
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from Ghostly International so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Michna - Myspace

Spring Is Coming

Golden Bloom
Indie / Rock / Pop
From: Between The Lines, United States

Shawn Fogel's Golden Bloom, named one of “8 Undiscovered bands worth a listen” by SPIN Magazine, is currently in the studio with producer/engineer Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Mates of State) and Dylan Magierek (Mark Kozelek). Fogel plans to release Golden Bloom’s next LP in the summer of 2009.

A seasoned (which makes him sound a bit of a plank, geddit plank seasoned wood, god I'm wasted here) recording artist, Fogel has toured the nation solo and with many of his musical peers, including Guster, Clem Snide, Ben Lee, Adam Green (of Moldy Peaches) , Thurston Moore (of Sonic Youth) and comedian Eugene Mirman (Sub Pop Records) . He also counts The Philistines Jr. , The Zambonis (Nettwerk Records) and The LeeVees (Reprise/JDub Records) among his musical partners, often putting his manifold-musical talents to good use playing with them.

Never one to avoid political discourse, Fogel’s Golden Bloom sheds his own thoughts on former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich’s, err, predicament. In the one-minute song aptly titled, 'Your Minute of Fame' (see free track below), the simple question arises, “What are you thinking?”

Go Try

MP3 - Golden Bloom - Your Minute Of Fame
MP3 - Golden Bloom - Doomsday Devices
MP3 - Golden Bloom - The Fight At The End Of The Tunnel
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from Green Light Go so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Golden Bloom - Myspace // Website

Go View

Golden Bloom
Leaves, Corners, Stones

Wild Beasts Get Dirty - A Devil Exclusive

The Lake Districts finest avant popsters Wild Beasts granted the Devil an exclusive interview over t'internet. The bands bass player Tom duly responded providing a unique insight into the band, their new album, the strangest places they've played and tips to beat the credit crunch.

So here, in full, is the Devil's first ever exclusive interview!

The Devil - Reviews (well the Devil's review) of Limbo Panto mention, among others, Klaus Nomi, The Smiths, Antony & The Johnstons and Queen but who is the most important influence on the Wild Beat sound?

Tom - I think we'd all disagree on what the fulcrum of our sound is - I think the Antony and The Smiths things are fair, the Queen thing a gross misapplication (though you may disagree). I'd also say Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Kraftwerk, CAN, Joanna Newsom, Junior Boys, as kind of middle points, but we cover quite a bit of ground between us I think. Our convergence is definitely in the stuff we write and record as Wild Beasts. We want melody and formalism, but not everything we listen to privileges the same things.

The Devil - Limbo Panto has been described as quirky as a Salvador Dali wrist watch, as witty as an Oscar Wilde joke book and as eccentric as a genetically modified Chris Eubank how would you describe it?

Tom - Well that's pretty good going. I'd like to say our music was pop music if it had taken a slightly different route from skiffle onwards.

The Devil - Limbo Panto was the Devil's favourite of 2008, how's the recording for the new album going? Can you reveal anything about the album that no-one other than the band knows?

Tom - That's a glorious thing to bestow upon us, thank you. The new album is recorded but not mixed yet. Obviously we're a little pleased with it - let's say it's both blacker and more full of life than its' predecessor. Muckier, too.

The Devil - If the new album was a wild beast which beast would it be and why?

Tom - This one (although he never says why!)

The Devil - You've been touring the UK , what's the strangest place you've ever played? Would you go back there?

Tom - Owing to British Sea Power we played both the highest pub in Britain and on a ferry 'cross the Mersey, but we've also done a black cab session, a teepee, various basements, a library and a bowling alley - needless to say, no regrets, and we'd run back to all of them.

The Devil - If it was down to Wild Beasts (and you couldn't vote for yourselves) who would have won the Best Band, Best Album, Best Single and Best Live Act of 2008 at the recent Brit Awards?

Tom - Only going by the nominations, as we wouldn't dream of challenging the wisdom of the entire music industry...

Band: Hmmm, Elbow
Album: Hmmm, In Rainbows (genuinely good)
Single: Hmmm, American Boy
Live Act: Hmmm, Iron Maiden.

Seriously though, someone's taking the piss (my sentiment exactly, the Devil)?

The Devil - If you were interviewing yourself what would be your killer question and how would you answer it?

Tom -

Q: If you ran the state of Israel , how would you deal with the Gaza strip?
A: (look off camera at manager accusingly, furious)

The Devil - What are the band doing to beat the credit crunch? Any tips on saving money for the Devil's readers?

Tom - I received some very good advice - learn not to want things, and learn how to add up. And walk EVERYWHERE.

And to finish off the band have furnished me with an acoustic version of Devil's Crayon to share with you lucky lucky readers and get your juices flowing in anticipation of the bands next album.

Go Try

MP3 - Wild Beasts - Devil's Crayon (Acoustic)
If anyone from the IFPI is reading this track is published with permission from Bad Sneakers Records so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Wild Beasts - Myspace // Website

Go View

Wild Beasts
Brave Bulging Clairvoyants


Wild Beasts - Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairevoyant

Hi Energy From The...

Kinetic Stereokids
Genre: Indie / Hip Hop / Experimental
From: Flint or Chicago, Illinois, United States

Kinetic Stereokids are every bit a product of Flint, Michigan, a legendary city perhaps better known for Michael Moore's documentary about its abandoned auto industry, endless unemployment and unflinching crime rate.

What started as childhood friends seeking refuge in basement jam sessions has since developed into an inspired, intelligent and innovative brand of modern rock. With comparisons ranging from Beck (I can hear that) to Mogwai (no sorry don't hear that), and the cited influence of Can (mmm maybe), Elliott Smith (no way sorry can't hear that) and the Beastie Boys (mmm possibly), the Kinetic Stereokids’ sound is beat-heavy, sample-laden, sonic alchemy.

Kinetic Stereokids first earned recognition playing warm-up shows in the metro Detroit area for acts such as …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, Secret Machines and Explosions In The Sky, and subsequently signed to Brooklyn-based label Overdraft Recordings. After the 2007 debut full-length release 'Basement Kids' landed on the CMJ Radio 200 list, Kinetic Stereokids gained national momentum, touring from New York to Los Angeles and from Pop Montreal to South By Southwest. 'Basement Kids' lead single, 'Explosions Were Heard' was featured as Song of The Day by indie rock heavy-weights and web-radio pioneers KEXP FM, Seattle, and was also included on their Music That Matters podcast series. The buzz surrounding Kinetic Stereokids spread beyond the U.S., as well, with their junkyard folktronica dubbed 'insidious and addictive' and 'attractive in so many ways' by various UK sources.

Their latest album 'Kid Moves', due out in March on Overdraft Recordings, is a more sophisticated effort than 'Basement Kids', while still retaining their distinctive grit. You can try a couple of tracks courtesy of the Devil below.

The band is currently touring and will continue across the US throughout the summer and are also in the process of developing a video for Kid Moves’ second single, 'Twisted Thoughts', with Detroit-based filmmaking duo James Petix and Sarah Babila, creators of the highly anticipated Detroit garage rock documentary It Came From Detroit.

Go Try

MP3 - Kinetic Stereokids - Free Money
MP3 - Kinetic Stereokids - Have A Nice Day
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from Fanatic Promotion so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Kinetic Stereokids - Myspace // Website
Label - Overdraft Recordings // Overdraft Recordings Myspace

Go View

Kinetic Stereokids
Have A Nice Day

Young Guns (Go For It)

Flashguns
Genre: Rock / New Wave / Soul From: Mainly London & Some Brighton, United Kingdom

For a band with a name associated with the paparazzi there's been little in the way of hype for London/Brighton four-piece Flashguns. The young band (they've not long finished their 'A' levels!) have been picked up by a few of the music blogs out there but have not yet been swallowed up by the music's relentless PR machine.

Like a musical sponge the young band absorbed a wide variety of influences from The Killers to Pink Floyd via The Cars and Sigur Ros creating a gaunt, slanted indie pop that's got more hooks than the cloakroom at a Peter Pan convention and is one of the few bands I've heard in twenty years that capture the pure essence of the early Smith and I think I'm already a fan.

The young guns have been working with Stephen Street on their 2nd single which will be released next month. They've done some NME Awards shows with Ida Maria, and in March they'll be out on the Clash Presents tour with The Answering Machine and Casiokids. So don't expect them to stay under the radar for long.

Go Try

MP3 - Flashguns - Locarno
MP3 - Flashguns - Ro Shambo
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from Radar Maker so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Flashguns - Myspace

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Flashguns
Ro Shambo

Under The Asbury

Asbury
Genre: Indie / Experimental / Shoegaze
From: Los Angeles, California
United States

I love this job especially when something comes out of the blue and knocks you sidewards, something like LA's Asbury. Their weird and wonderfully out of kilter album 'Under The Asbury' mixes disturbing spooky little psychedelic gems with blasting foot stompers like no album I've heard since Teardrop Explodes seminal 'Kilimanjaro' album in the early 80s. It's a bona fide underground classic.

Take the off-beam, and wonderfully titled, 'He's Gone Fetal', a Kafkaesque Parisian blend of The Beach Boys, Scott Walker and The Cure for example. Or maybe the epic 'Designs' which packs more ideas in 5 minutes than a box set of Radiohead albums. There's the quietly pastoral 'Who Turned Up The Voltage! which is a 21st Century take on the Incredible String Band and the piano lead, anti-war 'Where Would We Be Without Cruelty' which is like Paul Hardcastle's '19' being interpreted by Super Furry Animals. I could go on but you'll get a better idea of how good the album is by tripping over to the bands website where you can stream all 11 tracks off the album.

The tracks on the bands myspace site that didn't make the album are just as good, if not better. There's the sensually wistful Doorsian stomp of 'Grey Gardens' with singer DF giving his best Lizard King impression (tonight Matthew I'm going to be Jim Morrison) or the beautiful breeze of gentle neo psychedelia 'From My Cubicle I Control The World' that sounds like it's been swimming in the Mersey alongside Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen and the largely forgotten but magnificent The Turquiouse Swimming Pools (check out the video of the beautifully haunting Burst Balloons below).

It's rare in these days of homogenous indie to hear something that sounds truly startling, original and exciting so cherish 'Under The Asbury' because it'll probably be another 20 years before it happens again.

Go Try

MP3 - Asbury - He's Gone Fetal
MP3 - Asbury - Designs
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from Asbury so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Asbury - Myspace // Website

Go View

Asbury
Covered In Acrylic




For those of you who have never experience the obscure genius of Liverpool's Turquoise Swimming Pools check out the video below...

The Turquoise Swimming Pools
Burst Balloons

Big Yellow...

Taxi Doll
Genre: Pop / Electronica / Alternative
From: Los Angeles, California, United States

LA's Taxi Doll, who formed in 2004, are apparently named after the iconic bobble-head dolls often seen perched on the rear dash of taxicabs. Well I guess it's one way of choosing a name.

They're the second band tonight with a blonde singer who have been compared to Blondie (it's like shooting fish in a barrel this journalism lark!). The colour of the singer's hair is where the similarities to Blondie end. Their electronic pop with an edge is closer in spirit and sound to Goldfrapp rummaging around in the Garbage and finding a box load of Gwen Stefani's discarded tunes. It's great rocktronica that'll get your feet thinking and your brain dancing (or is the other way round?).

Get in, buckle up, and let Taxi Doll take you for the ride of your life!

Go Try

MP3 - Taxi Doll - Winter
MP3 - Taxi Doll - Notice Me
If anyone from the IFPI is reading these tracks are published with permission from Sideways Media so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Taxi Doll - Myspace // Website

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Taxi Doll
Waiting

Cubist Music?

Rubicks
Genre: Alternative / New Wave / Electronica
From: London, United Kingdom

London electro band Rubicks seem to have been the next big thing for the last six years and, despite critical acclaim for their debut album 'In Miniature' they've, somewhat surprisingly, not yet hit the big time while young, and less talented, upstarts like The Ting Tings have had the cash registers ringing.

With a sound akin to Ladytron with a Blondie chaser, or maybe the Primitives with the electro dial set to maximum, they have every box ticked. Stunningly attractive lead singer blessed with magnetic star quality, tick. Debut album showered with critical acclaim by the blogosphere and the inkies, tick. The perfect modern blend of electronics and guitar, tick. Appeared with the indie glitterati from the Klaxons to The Duke Spirit to Gary Numan (??), tick. Check out the video for the bands excellent track 'Midas' which should be the new UK national anthem!

If it's true that it all comes to he (or she) who waits then global mega stardom is surely just round the corner for Rubicks so get them here before they're hot.

Go Try


MP3 - Rubicks - Red Rock
MP3 - Rubicks - Idiot Time
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, this track is published with the permission of Destiny so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

Rubicks - Myspace // Website

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Rubicks
Midas

RUBICKS MIDAS

Waxing Lyrical

The Paraffins
Genre: Melodramatic Popular Song / Zouk / Acousmatic / Tape music
From: Knockentiber, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Paraffins serve up a Scottish breakfast of strange lo-fi electro space-pop that sounds like The Beta Band recorded in the shed at the end of a hermits garden.

They recently contributed a track to the Filthy Little Angels Valentines Day album 'Biking Girl' (see below) a weird cover of an already strange and little known b-side from ultra obscure late 70s band The Four Plugs (check out the original here). You can also check out the brilliant video for 'Cardboard Cutout' created by the multi talented Lachlann Rattray of GVSY.

It doesn't get more alternative than The Paraffins. Kurt Cobain and John Peel would've loved them.

Go Try

The Paraffins - Biking Girl
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, this track is linked direct from Filthy Little Angels and is therefore freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

The Paraffins - Myspace

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The Paraffins
Cardboard Cutout

Always Should Be Someone You Really Love

Modern Boys Modern Girls
Genre: Garage / Soul / Rock From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ironically, given their name, Modern Boys Modern Girls sound like they've just stepped out of the Tardis with a sackful of 1980's pop 'n roll.

With their duelling girl boy vocals MBMG sound like Deacon Blue for the Strokes generation which is much better than that probably sounds.

Go Try

MP3 - Modern Boys Modern Girls - My Baby Says Boy, Don't You Ever Go
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, this track is linked direct from the MBMG website and is therefore freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

Modern Boys Modern Girls - Myspace // Website

From Little Acorns

The Acorn
Genre: Indie / Folk Rock
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Acorn have just released 'Heron Act' (not Heroin Act as I initially read it which may have been a more interesting title!) a collection of live recordings, b-sides and more fantastic rare songs spanning their last Canadian and US tours.

The band, who have been called beautiful by Kanye West are preparing for their Winter UK Tour supporting Fleet Foxes for a couple of shows at the end of this month and Brit award winners elbow in March.

You can get in the mood with the XM Radio version of 'Crooked Legs' below.

Go Try

MP3 - The Acorn - Crooked Legs

Go Visit

The Acorn - Myspace // Website

More From Mayda

Mayda's debut full length album 'The Interrogation' is due for release in March but the Devil has a sneak preview for you with a fresh new track unavailable elsewhere.

Go Try

MP3 - Mayda - Focus
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading these tracks are published with the permission of Vitriol Independent Promotion so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright and deleting this post.

Go Visit

Mayda - Myspace

Intelligent & Beautiful

Jonathan Boulet
Genre: Intelligent Pop
From: Sydney, Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Out of the blue I received an email alerting me to the wonders of Jonathan Boulet from the indie version of Victor Kiam, Sean Hanratty. A man so in love with the Jonathan Boulet sound he stopped everything he was doing and started Evident Records with the sole purpose of releasing his debut!

One listen to the prodigiously talented 20 year old Australian wunderkind Jonathan Boulet and this act of apparent madness seems like a touch of genius. The tracks on his myspace site that sound like Sufjan Stevens infused with the melodic genius of Brian Wilson covering the back catalogue of The Postal Service. It's anthemic folk pop that's packed with more intelligence than a boffins conference.

This is one of those rare occasions when the word beautiful genuinely applies.

Go Try

MP3 - Jonathan Boulet - A Community Service Announcement
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, this track is published with the permission of Evident Records so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

Jonathan Boulet - Myspace

Manufactured Pop?

Plastiq Passion
Genre: New Wave / Rock / Pop Punk
From: New York, New Jersey, United States

Plastiq Passion (pronounced Plas-stick apparently although I'd pronounce it Plas-teak) are an all female band from New York who root their music firmly in the post punk of the 80s that they clearly love but with a modern twist.

They've been compared to Sleater Kinney but this is just lazy journos who see an all girl band who are vaguely alternative so hey they must be like Sleater Kinney! If they took the time to listen they'd see there's much more to Plastiq Passion than their indifferent stereotyping suggests.

'I Can't Wait' sounds like The Cure's 'A Forest' filtered through a flimsy membrane by a mad scientist with a poor memory while 'Girl' and 'I Said' go one step further sounding like covers of Cure songs that Robert Smith hasn't got around to writing.

'Hawaii' and 'Better Run' (the Devil's favourite PP track) could have come straight from one of the best compilations of all time Cherry Red's seminal 'Pillows & Prayers' making me come over all nostalgic. 'Angel' sounds like it was recorded in a wind tunnel and is a Pavementesque slice of ramshackle lo-fi indie while 'Oh Death', exclusive to the Devil's blog, is a rumbling, grumbling ode to the grim reaper.

This is indie as it was meant to be not the faux indie of the 21st century. They may call themselves Plastiq Passion but there's nothing manufactured or fake about this band.

Go Try

MP3 - Plastiq Passion - I Can't Wait
MP3 - Plastiq Passion - Oh Death
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, these tracks are published with the permission of Plastiq Passion so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

Plastiq Passion - Myspace // Website

Go View

Plastiq Passion
Girl

The Brute Chorus Live & Dangerous

The Brute Chorus
Genre: Alternative / Garage / Folk
From: London, United Kingdom

The Brute Chorus will record their debut album, live and in front of an audience at FreeDM studios in The Roundhouse, Camden, in a weeks time. The band have also confirmed that Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey, Athlete) will be co-producing with Choque Hosein (Mercury nominated Black Star Liner) and mixing the whole affair.

The band will 'strut, stutter and howl' their way through live favourites, new songs and be joined on stage by the following guests: Tigs, Dan Clews (singer/songwriter), Keith Austin (Captain Black), Rosie Oddie (Rosie Oddie and the Odd Squad), Louise Hull, Johnny Lloyd (Operahouse) and Isabel Munoz-Newsome (Minipuma).

Unfortunately the event is now sold out but fans will be able to hear the first single from the album within 48 hours of the curtain coming down in Camden.

Love Stripped Bare

The NaKed HeArts

Genre: Alternative
From: New York, United States

The Naked Hearts formed in New York City in January 2008. Their unique brand of fuzz-pop combines the grungy, stripped down style of early 90's bands such as The Breeders and The Lemonheads with the structured elegance of bands like Blonde Redhead and Autolux.

The duo's debut EP 'These Knees', a lo-fi sludge pop gem, is out now so what you waiting for open your hearts to the Naked Hearts.

Go Try

MP3 - The Naked Hearts - Cat & Mouse
MP3 - The Naked Hearts - Call Me
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, these tracks are published with the permission of Fanatic Promotions so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

The Naked Hearts - Myspace // Website

Go View

The Naked Hearts
Like I Do



If you like this then check out Amy's previous band Rubies...

MP3 - Rubies - I Feel Electric
MP3 - Rubies - Room Without A Key
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, these tracks are linked direct from the band's website and are freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

The Mellotron Is Dead, Long Live The Mellotron

Dead Mellotron
Genre: Garage
From: Monroe, Louisiana
United States

Dead Mellotron are a complete mystery. Their (his?) myspace site has less information than an Al Qaeda contacts book and google pulls up the lyrics of a song by the Blood Brothers Johnny Whitney and Mark Gajadhar's alter ego, Neon Blonde and a piece on Vanshookenraggen blog about the lack of information on the band. And so the circle is complete!

If you believe the band's Last FM (now deleted) bio Dead Mellotron is the work of a reclusive artist known only as “Frazier”, a product of In vitro fertilization, the son of the head geologist of the state of Arkansas and a former lesbian currently engaged to a questionably Polynesian man named Lloyd Lao.

In the era of Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia maybe anonymity is the new publicity, adding an intriguing air of mystery that leaves you begging for more. Luckily the music, a swirling whirl of guitar effects and indistinguishable vocal melodies that recalls a less frenetic, quieter My Bloody Valentine, a feedback free Jesus and Mary Chain and a less dreamy Telescopes, speaks for itself.

The mellotron is dead long live Dead Mellotron.

Go Try

MP3 - Dead Mellotron - I Hate The Way Things Are
MP3 - Dead Mellotron - Nothing I Ever Imagined
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, these tracks are linked direct from the band's LastFM site and are freely available so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

Dead Mellotron - Myspace // Last FM

Joy Division?

Divisible
Genre: Indie / Experimental / Ambient
From: Hollywood, California, United States

Los Angeles-based band Divisible mixes indie rock, electronica, and claim TV On The Radio, Peter Gabriel and PJ Harvey as influences. But I don't get it. I can't hear any of those influences in their forthcoming album 'Less Than Lion'.

There's creativity, there's intelligence and there's the merest hint of world music, which is probably more a result of the band's African ancestry that the influence of Gabriel, but they sound more like a ready salted Cardigans.

Go Try

MP3 - Divisible - Living With A Ghost
MP3 - Divisible - A Girl You Can't Leave
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, these tracks are published with the permission of Divisible so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go Visit

Divisible - Myspace // Website

Go View

Divisible

Join Us For

The Devil's Conspiracy
Genre: Alternative / Progressive / Rock
From: Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Portsmouth trio The Devil's Conspiracy sent me a copy of their latest single 'Live or Lie' earlier in the week and it's a fine slice of emo fit for an air guitar champion. Think Brand New's first album covered by graduates of Guitar Hero III - Legends of Rock.

The other tracks on the band's myspace site are in a similar vein to 'Live or Lie' a fine blend of emo, punk and metal. 'Problem' is reminiscent of a poppier Stiff Little Fingers while 'Hide on the Other Side' is closer to SLF's punkier side. 'I Do' is little more than a fragmented and rather self indulgent guitar solo and is my least favourite of the tracks. Forthcoming b-side 'One of Us' is their mobile phones in the air track and the closest they come to Brand New at their best.

Go Try

MP3 - The Devil's Conspiracy - Live Or Lie

Go Visit

The Devil's Conspiracy - Myspace // Website
If anyone from the IFPI or Blogger is reading, these tracks are published with the permission of The Devil's Conspiracy so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright or deleting this post.

Go View

The Devil's Conspiracy
Knowledge