Newsflash
New Bands We Love
September 2005
Milburn
Spearheading the so-called “New Yorkshire” revolution, energetic four-piece Milburn blend head-jamming riffs and killer melodies to produce their unique brand of punky garage rock. Though still only in their late teens, the band is bursting with raw talent and they have already garnered comparisons with the likes of The Jam and The Libertines for their song-writing maturity and wry lyrics. The youngsters have also managed to develop a well-deserved cult following on their home turf in Sheffield.
Upcoming support slots with feted local boys Arctic Monkeys should give the boys a chance to reach the masses with their punk-pop masterpieces such as “Lipstick Lickin’”, “Storm in a Teacup” and “Send in the Boys”. Welcome to the North.
Komakino
Stylish post-punk newcomers Komakino may hail from the erstwhile musical backwater of Derby, but they possess a suave, sophisticated air normally only found among their New York brethren.
The boys have developed a substantial fan-base due to their synth rock gems, and have drawn the attention of Bloc Party and and Hope Of The States, as well as doing a sterling job filling in on the NME New Music Tour. The dark, introspective electro-rock they produce is reminiscent of the likes of Interpol, New Kids On The Block and The Departure; and their storming recent single “Say Something” was deservedly an immediate sell-out. Bursting with promise, their future looks almost as good as they do.
Pure Reason Revolution
Formed at Westminster University through a mutual love of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Super Furry Animals, The Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, experimental five-piece Pure Reason Revolution bring new meaning to the words “epic” and “ambition”. The sonic collective produce a glorious multi-instrumental maelstrom and are one of few bands which could get away with releasing a 12 minute single (“The Bright Ambassadors of Morning”)
Having gained considerable media attention for their dynamic live performances, they were quickly spirited away from their original label Poptones to music industry monolith Sony BMG, so justified major label success should be just around the corner.
White Rose Movement
It is fair to say that stylish 5 piece White Rose Movement embody the 80s revival in all its glory. With their lithe leather and peroxide cool, they have mastered the so-called “Germanic” soundscapes, churning out infectious, bass-line laden gems. Current single “Love is A Number” is an electro clash head jammer which defies classification. The band flawlessly balance dance and indie to produce catchy beats resulting in great tracks with infinite floor-filling potential. One to watch -if there is any justice, we will hear a lot more from this band.
Kubichek!
It’s been a decent year for North-Eastern music. The assault led by The Futureheads and Maximo Park now has new champions in the form of noisy youngsters Kubichek!
Formed out of the breakup of several other bands back on 2004, the Geordie foursome take their dance-rock roots, add a dash of pop magic and rock prowess and blitz it into an enjoyable sonic assault which culminates in their uproarious live shows. Their quality blend of dance-rock has touches of bands like The Longcut, and you could go a long way without hearing tracks as infectious as “That Pop Carry On”, “Start As We Meant To” and “Hometown Strategies”.
Twisted Charm
Dynamic 3-piece Twisted Charm are about ready to burst into the collective consciousness. Through the full frontal aural assault of their incendiary live shows, they throw out their raw, indie rock which puts together saxophone flourishes and post-punk guitar together and then turns the volume up to form Gang of Four-esque tracks denoting urban tales of boredom and youthful dreams. The boys have honed their craft touring with Selfish Cunt, Whirlwind Heat, Liars and perennial trouble-makers Babyshambles, and if cracking current single “London Scene?” is a sign of things to come, we had all better brace ourselves.
Test Icicles
You’re not going to get very far talking about Test Icicles without commenting on their name, which goes some way to betraying the East End three-piece’s metal/rock roots. Bursting onto the London music scene with their shambolic, raw live shows, the boys create a sound which doffs its cap to the Beastie Boys, The Rapture and The Fall. Mixing rock, hip hop beats and metal flourishes with howling vocals and programmed beats, they create what has been labelled arthouse, speedhouse metal.
The band have toured with the likes of Death From Above 1979 and have also found an influential fan in celebrated songwriter Tom Vek. Recently released storming first single “Boa vs. Python” was voted single of the week in music bible NME and an album will follow in November. Watch out- Test Icicles are coming for us all.
The Alps
Greenwich quartet The Alps have “next big thing” written all over them. The boys specialise in 3 minute post-punk gems which are clearly influenced by the likes of The Jam, The Police and Elvis Costello, and these influences blend together to create what they describe as “high tempo foot stompers”. Their current single “World at War” is an infectious gem which documents a call to arms for a loved one.
Plaudits have come in thick and fast for the boys from throughout the industry, and it must only be a matter of time
Words: Layne Lomax
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