The Strokes – One Way Trigger


The Strokes made a surprise comeback tonight with the release of free download ‘One Way Trigger’. Although there’d been rumours that they’d release new material in 2013, we’re not sure anyone quite expected something so quick. The track retains the trademark Strokes sound, but also has a playful keyboard-led vibe that brings to mind the…

Stereopol – Timbres and Phrases


Friends of Bellman, Stereopol are another Norwegian band who released their debut album, ‘Timbres and Phrases’ in November last year. They haven’t travelled far out of their native country so far, especially the beautiful Oslo, but you imagine it won’t be long before they head into further unknown territories. Describing themselves as ‘grand and cinematic’,…

Stagecoach – Threequel


After an extended break to get to work on their debut album, Stagecoach have released a new single called ‘Threequel’. The track, recorded by Rory Bratwell, sees the five-piece in brash form, although still retains their (Brit)pop sensibilities. With a hint of Gene, but also a more aggressive sound in tune with the likes of…

Villagers – {Awayland}


Conor O’Brien’s quiet folk ramblings on his astounding debut Villagers album ‘Becoming a Jackal’, netted him appearances on a number of end-of-year best of lists, a Mercury Prize nomination and a legion of loyal fans after tours with the likes of Cathy Davey and Elbow. Whereas on the debut record, it was mainly a solo…

Everything Everything – Arc


When ‘Man Alive’ was released in 2010, Everything Everything’s all-encompassing sound hit all the right notes – from those with a passion for hip-hop to those who liked indie-pop and everyone in between, they quickly became one of the must-see bands of the year. The album was bursting with originality and eccentricity, with Jonathan Higgs’…

Hot Glass – I Wouldn’t Forget


Based in Brighton, Hot Glass is Ryan Balch’s one-man project that sounds like a fist-fight between Cloud Nothings and Porcelain Raft. Soon to be supporting The History of Apple Pie in Brighton, the ‘I Wouldn’t Forget’ EP shows a man bursting with creative ideas and a love for punk rock and the shoegazing genre. Drenched…

Bellman – Mainly Mute


Although actually his debut album, ‘Mainly Mute’ is the second album to be released in the UK by Norwegian post-prog-popper Bellman, also known to his parents as Arne-Johan Rauan. Following tours right across the world and support from many within the blogosphere, he has also received acclaim from many influential radio stations. The video for…

Albums to look forward to in early 2013


We’re a bit late with this preview of the albums coming up in the twelve months ahead, but we’ve been busy with going back to day jobs, getting stuck in Surrey traffic and leading Norwich City Football Club to a respectable mid-table position on Football Manager… Still, better late than never and there’s a ton…

Tibi & her Cello – Lost in the Sounds


With a sound in the vein of Beth Orton, Lykke Li or even Bat For Lashes, Tibi & her Cello are an astounding addition to the Lazy Acre Records roster. The band consists of Spanish and Norwegian duo Teresa Bernabé and Jørgen Berg Svela but are beefed up in the live setting by a host…

Menace Beach


A collaboration between Ryan, Liza and Matt from Derby’s You Animals and Nestor from Sky Larkin, Menace Beach is a band that the term scuzzy pop sums up perfectly. Their debut EP was released as a limited edition cassette (hand screen printed, no less) on the French label Desire Records and captures the spirit of…