This year is already shaping up to be a great one for music. The BBC Sound of 2011 shortlist drew up some great candidates for success, some I agree with, some I don’t. Unfortunately I don’t agree with the winner, Jessie J, as I feel it could have gone to a much more worthy winner. Here are a few of my picks for bands which you are sure to hear about this year.
THE VACCINES – My personal favourite. The first time they caught my eye was on Jools Holland where they performed ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’ and it finally seemed the succinct one-minute-thirty song we’ve missed since the days of Art Brut was finally back. I couldn’t help but wish it was longer but the edgy “indie” which has been ignored and replaced by shitty Fratellis sing-a-longs finally seems to be regaining its rightful place within the industry. Their debut album is expected in March.
TROPHY WIFE – This band recently part-toured with Foals in 2010 and have gained a relatively large following since. Not to be confused with a different Trophy Wife, but they’re on Spotify so go and check out their new single ‘Microlite’. Think of an early Foals demo crossing paths with Two Door Cinema Club. They’re soon to be going on tour with my next pick, Esben and the Witch…
ESBEN AND THE WITCH – Taking their name from a Danish fairy tale, the Brighton trio create an eerie, atmospheric sound and are bound to be the next (albeit less radio friendly) Florence and the Machine. Alongside being shortlisted in the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll Esben and the Witch have also toured with Foals, The Big Pink and The XX to name a few. It’s questionable whether they will reach the dizzy heights of Florence Welch, but if they don’t I will be shocked. Catch them at the Hare & Hounds on February 8 with Trophy Wife and (silver) souvenirs.
CRYSTAL FIGHTERS – 2010 was a great year for this band but 2011 is going to be even better. With their debut album, Star of Love, receiving rave reviews and their accompanying headline tour going down incredibly well all across the country, they are set to catapult into new heights this year. If you don’t know who they are now go and listen to ‘I Love London’ and I’m sure you soon will. Their next single, ‘At Home’ is due for release soon with a UK tour scheduled for March – go and see them.
PEACE – These four lads from the West Midlands are set to break onto the scene this year with a recommendation in Vice and a huge internet following shows supporting The Vaccines, Tame Impala and La Shark in 2010. Recordings are almost finished on tracks which can only be described as timeless. They’re supporting Flashguns at Birmingham HMV Institute on March 22, get down if you can.
CAJOLE CAJOLE – Thought I would end on another local choice, this Wolverhampton trio present music capable of lifting you out of any bad mood with their youthful riffs and catchy lyrics – think Tokyo Police Club. They are currently taking some time out of the live scene to write new songs and record but expect them to explode onto the scene with a UK tour at some point this year but there is no way you will not hear about this band – my local tip to watch for 2011.
Here’s to a great 2011 and hopefully my tips all come off!
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