Figure One: Lightspeed Champion
Dev Hynes' Lightspeed Champion is superb. Was totally taken aback when I first heard them last year as their songs are so far removed from those of Test Icicles, who I was never really a fan of. The album, Falling Off The Lavender Bridge, just came out, and so I'm yet to hear it. Judging by his singles though it should be amence.Galaxy Of The Lost is sweeter than a builder's tea, that is until you listen to the lyrics.
'Guzzle down, My neck will burn as we kiss, and I'm sick in your mouth. I know you want more.'
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Galaxy Of The Lost
Waiting Game
Figure Two: Late Of The Pier
The furore surrounding New Rave has died down, leaving a slew of talented bands in its wake. Late Of The Pier, from Castle Donington, sound altogether different from other bands who have been labelled New Rave. LOTP's influences lie in 1980's pop rather than the ubiquitous '90s dance or rave acts that are so readily cited as being influential by bands today. They released two singles last year Space And The Woods and Bathroom Gurgle, both were limited to 500 pressings. Space And The Woods sounds like the bastard lovechild of Gary Numan and Devo, ugly as sin, but with beautiful synths and pounding, mechanical drums. Bathroom Gurgle starts with a good beat and strong bassline, but with vocals that serve to lower one's expectations for the song, with singer Samuel Dust sounding strained and Americanised. This is remedied by the time the chorus kicks in, Dust singing the refrain 'find yourself a new boy.' From thereon in the song is an ecstatic stomper, with Dust ordering you to 'put your hands on your waistline, and move your body to the bassline, and get your hands on some cheap wine, and just move it 'til you feel fine'.Future single, The Bears Are Coming, out February 28th, will see this band's inevitable rise quickened.
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Figure Three: Does It Offend You, Yeah?
One of the highlights of my 2007 was watching Does It Offend You, Yeah? playing the Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival. My only previous knowledge of them had been a cursory glance at their MySpace page, no doubt attracted by their name and its Nathan Barley connotations. Their live show blew me away, the energy of the band and the power of there songs. They've been compared to the likes of Justice and Daft Punk, and while this is a fair comparison to make, due to the electronic nature of the music, the rock sentiments of the band, particularly their live shows are more akin to a punk act. Their album, You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into, is out in March.Download:
Figure Four: Santogold
The similarities between this Brooklyn based genre smashing lady and M.I.A. are many. Too many, some may say. The fact remains, however, that Santogold is releasing some fantatic songs and looks set to cross into the mainstream having featured in Rolling Stone's Top Ten Artists To Watch.Having already worked with a spate of producers, including Miss Arulpragasam's ex, Diplo, the variety of her output is pretty much assured.
She's no M.I.A., but I love her.
Decide for yourselves, eh?
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