Maribel

Myspace // "Ecstatic" [Audio] // Aesthetics [Buy]

Lately, it seems that a simple analogy could be used to sum up the musical preferences of two of the Scando territories: Sweden is to sunny pop what Norway is to dark shoegaze. Norway has taken over and added to this decade's shoegaze, especially when you look at bands like Sereena-Maneesh, Simon Says No, and the Megaphonic Thrift.

Add to that list Maribel, who just recently released their debut album (out now in the US and Norway), who take fuzzed out dreamscapes to a new and exciting level. Long-player Aesthetics is nine tracks (plus a bonus song only available on a Norwegian 7") of what we have come to love from this genre. Now the next thing we want to know is this -- when are you coming to the States?

Flashback Thursday: Belly "Feed the Tree"

Fact: I can not find any of Belly's videos on Youtube, and the quality on this one is terrible. "Gepetto" was the song that finally made this band click for me, and I was really hoping to post that one, but it looks like the internet gods are against me.

More than a decade on, it seems like their sound is back in vogue, which is great because they were one of my favorites while I was in high school, and I didn't think they really hit their stride until the release of King. Although it didn't move the same amount of units as it's predecessor an album that was devoid of any hits, it was the band's best work, but the one that caused them to disband. They were one of those groups that made staying up until 2.00am to watch all of 120 Minutes worth it.

The band's lead singer Tanya Donelly continues to release excellent solo albums to this day.

Bombay Bicycle Club "Dust on the Ground"

Myspace

I love the new Bombay Bicycle Club because not all of it is what I'd expect of them. Take this latest single for example, as it is truly a shining example of the amazing voice Jack Steadman has, and despite the fact that he resembles Max Fischer, he has the confidence and ability to continue leading this band in the right direction. While it may be easy to compare the band to Interpol (and by extension, Steadman to Paul Banks), this is yet another reason why journalists are lazy. While their tone may be similar, Steadman and Banks are barking up two totally different trees, as the former has the heart and voice of a poet.

The Small Screen Light Show: Unofficial Videos

"Home Alone"

Myspace // "This Is Not a Reason" [Audio] // "I Am the Future" [Video] // Debut EP [Buy]

Things with Seaham's (near Sunderland, in England's Northeast) Small Screen Light Show has been moving along slowly, but at a steady pace. While the band's four song, DIY EP made have been enough to hold me over when I first wrote about these guys last year, I am itching for a bit more. Here's to hoping that they drop some more tunes first, either through a 7" or an official EP. One thing's sure, this band's tunes sound as fresh and exciting as when I first heard them, and that means a lot coming from the desk of this blog -- we hear a lot of music every day. To hold you (and me) over, check out the two "unofficial" videos done by lead singer Mattie.

Catching Up With: Heels Catch Fire

Myspace // "Blackout to Whiteout" [Audio]

In an effort to not forget about some of the bands I've written about in the past, I am going to start looking back approximately one calendar year and revisit a developing band. This post focuses on Heels Catch Fire.

A common mistake a lot of bands make it the lack of information on their Myspace page, and this Brighton group is no different. I discovered them via Elle Milano, I've seen them play at the Great Escape, and really, they're a band that deserves much more acclaim. Their tunes are excellent takes on dance rock with a dash of math pop, and although it's nothing new, there's nothing wrong with going with what you know -- not everyone's Radiohead. This summer is a full of hometown gigs for them, as well as an appearance at the Beachdown Festival.

Alan Pownall

Myspace // "Love Lockdown" (Kanye West cover) [Audio] // "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)" [Video]

Jumping feet first into the burgeoning and crowded new English folk scene, Londoner Alan Pownall has already made a name for himself via his unique takes on pop hits from Kanye West and Beyonce, but come 22 June, listeners will be able to look past what some may call gimmicky moves when Young and Lost Club releases his debut single.

You can hear "Clara" now on his Myspace, an engaging tune that is flush with an enigmatic quality that brings to mind Johnny Flynn. Pownall is currently at work on his debut album, which has a tentative release date of early 2010, and as well, he'll be playing select dates this summer.

22 June @ Ronnie Scott's / London (single launch)
18 July @ Latitude Festival sunrise arena
19 July @ Love Box Victoria Park
24 July @ Secret Garden Party
16 Aug. @ Bloom Festival / Bristol

(Additionally, I have added a number of new sites to the blogroll -- they're sites I've been reading for quite some time, but I haven't had the chance to give them their due yet)

Jamie T "Sticks N Stones"

Myspace

What an absolutely brilliant tune! This could be the track of the summer. It's quite the triumphant return for Mr. Treays, the first single off of his Sticks N Stones EP that is out on 29 June. A UK tour started yesterday in Leeds and concludes in London on 24 June before appearances at Glastonbury, T in the Park, Reading, and Leeds.

Minnaars Remixed

Myspace // "Essay Essay Essay" (Love Ends Disaster remix) [Audio]

It's been awhile since we've followed up with Leicester group Minnaars, and it seems like a great time to catch up as the guys have been very busy. They just did an interview and live session for local station Demon FM, which can be downloaded here, as well as a remix EP, which can be downloaded on the band's Myspace page. It features reworkings from the likes of Tubelord and Love Ends Disaster. If that's not enough, their proper debut EP is out now (also on the Myspace), featuring the brilliant "Essay Essay Essay," as well as a billion tour dates all over England and Europe this summer.

Chew Lips "Solo"

Myspace // "Solo" [Audio]

I didn't know what to make of Chew Lips at first -- they seemed to be more style than substance, so I wanted to go running the other way. Luckily I gave the band a chance, as "Solo" is shaping up to be one of the best single of the year. It's minimal dance pop with just enough backbone to keep you involved for the entire song, and lead singer Tigs is smart enough to never take it over the top. Their debut single is out now on Kitsune.