May 68

[Photo Credit: Tom Cockram]

Myspace // "White Lies" [Audio]

Another exciting little nugget in the burgeoning Manchester indie scene, May 68 are not as pretentious as their name suggests. While they may reference the French student riots of May '68, their tunes are instantly accessible -- perfect dancefloor-filling tunes that are full of energetic hooks. Frankly, I am surprised that this band hasn't blown up yet, especially with a nod from Xfm's John Kennedy, but the band is still young with just a demo to their name, so there's still time yet.

Perfect People

[Photo Credit: Neil Horne]

Myspace // "Took a Ride" [Audio]

Things have been rather hectic of late, which is something I feel like I've been saying a lot. I spent a week in England going to gigs and attended the Great Escape. Last year I saw the Clik Clik, and this year the band that rose from their ashes played, Perfect People. Now, I am not going to bore you with stories about how hardcore I am and how I stayed up to all hours of the night because basically all of that will be a lie. I had a chance to see Perfect People, but their 12.30 am set time not only conflicted with the end of Pulled Apart By Horses's set, but also my bed time. Next time, yeah?

Perfect People blazes similar sonic trails as the Clik Clik, but with more Ben Folds-inspired pop and less electronics. It's excellent stuff though and a great start for these music vets that are still quite young.

Kumka Olik "Zaspane poniedziałki"

Myspace // "Zaspane poniedziałki" [Audio]

I really have no idea what they're singing about, but I guess the same can be said for plenty of English bands. Kumka Olik is from Poland and play very English-sounding indie rock, and while it can be quite derivative at times, their latest album Jedynka is an excellent listen.

Jamie T: New EP

Myspace // "A New England" [Audio]

I've been slowly preparing a pretty massive Thamesbeat post, just sort of catching up on things and tying up some loose ends on the scene that is really not a scene. Although Larrikin Love flamed out quickly, some of the other bands still quite active, including Jamie T.

You may remember his free track/video "Fire Fire" from earlier this year, but this track, which was Jamie's gift to fans for being so patient (not like we have a choice, yeah?), will not appear on his next album or preceding EPs. He's been doing a few random gigs, but this June will see a proper run throughout England, starting in the beautiful city of Leeds. And we're not joking about the beauty of Leeds -- remember, this is Exitfare, and we love West Yorkshire.

His next official release comes out 29 June, an EP entitled Stick N Stones. The title track has surfaced in various spots on the internet, and it is classic Jamie T and his perfect mixture of several different styles. The not quite rap, not quite indie, not quite garage concoction may be tough for some to take at first, but this is the reason why people get so excited about this guy. It's a sound that you've never heard before, and despite the stylistic mosaic, you can't deny catchy songwriting.

Posted is an old b-side -- those blogs that like adventures with the RIAA may still have a radio rip of a new song. Enjoy.

Situationists: New Songs / Breaking Up

"Onwards and Upwards"

Myspace // "Digital Love" [Audio] // "Whiskey and Water" (remix) [Audio]

Sheffield-based Situationists have been busy since the release of their debut EP Onwards and Upwards last year on Tough Love Records. They've been focusing on new material, so far recording five new songs in their home-based studios, four of which will be released in the coming months. To tide everyone over to then, the band has a remix available, done by electro artist The Aspirins For My Children, and a cover of Daft Punk's "Digital Love."

I had written the paragraph above before actually looking at the band's Myspace page, which indicates that the band's London show this past weekend, as well as a yet to be announced gig in Sheffield, will be the band's last ones. I shouldn't have dragged my feet with posting up those new tunes above because now instead of serving as treats for what is yet to come, they are now goodbye presents from a very promising young band.

A little confusing, but the e-mail from their label containing the new tunes came four days after the band announced their break-up. I guess the guys at Tough Love really could not let go.