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There comes a time in every music journalists career when they get the “opportunity” to predict what’s hot and what’s not for the coming year and this time it’s me…argh! So here we go:
I spotted Agent Blue in London about a month ago... I remember I was sitting, chilling at the back of the venue but moved immediately to the front after two minutes of them being onstage. I also remember it was so packed that I couldn’t move during the gig. Well… I did move my neck, when I realised that Nic Andrews had climbed onto the bar and was actually singing above my head. This five-piece from Stoke-On-Trent play garage punk in the most charming vicious and arrogant way I’ve seen for ages. Knock out.
The Research are so kitsch they melt. Hotly tipped by everyone from here to the Tesco’s music counter they’re bound to big/bigger in 2005. The band from Yorkshire has the best website around; click on 'Madonna' and subscribe to the mailing list or, even better, click on 'Chris Rea' and learn that they are currently on tour. Be smart and check them out. Oh! And bring along lots of lollipops and bubblegum to share in their quirkiness.
So…what does Tom Vek want from our lives? I’ve completely no idea, but the 23-year old Londoner is Gigwise’s tip for next year’s hottest artist. A multi-instrumentalist, a sharp lyricist and a talented musician all in one go, Vek gives his version of the garagelectronicfunk sound and will startle the masses from February, when he releases his debut album.
Next on the agenda are Fans of Kate from London. I have to admit I’m quite stunned they’re still without a deal from a major. Hellooo… do you suffer from brain damage? These boys are worth their weight in gold. They serve a set of beautiful indie pop tunes, packaged with loads of style and cuteness; they’re extremely tight live and enjoyable to watch. They also have a great guitarist – a natural performer, which my friend mistook for a groupie (“look, there’s someone dancing and singing the lyrics on stage!”). Adorable.
Moving on, 10,000 Things introduced themselves at the beginning of this year. Then they disappeared for a while and left me wondering where the band with the charismatic lead singer had gone. But now they are back and ready to kick ass! Smartly named ‘The New Yorkshire Dolls’, this Leeds outfit play precocious rock n’ roll and punk noises. Sam, put the Elvis belt on!
Shall I dare to mention Kaiser Chiefs? They predicted a riot this year and Gigwise predicts huge success in the months to come. They are already heading to the top and are anticipated to shine in their own right in 2005, starting with the NME Awards Tour in January. With Kaiser Chiefs we’ve got the third (and last) band from Yorkshire. Pheew!
Thee Unstrung have a weird name. No doubt about that. They hail from London, sing about the working class and are short listed for International Breakthrough Act for their single 'Contrary Mary' at the next Brits. They also performed at the Gigwise Awards so we know that they’re shit hot. Don’t miss them. Don’t... ok I’ll shut up.
Last but not least, we’ve got The Dears. When I first listened to the “Lost in the Plot” single I was completely haunted by it. I wanted to listen to the gorgeous guitar intro again and again, the astounding expressive voice of Murray A Lightburn and I love the way the music changes halfway through and climaxes at the end. An anthem by all means. This is Smiths/Blur inspired music from Montreal, epic indie tunes at their best. They say “influences must be outgrown, idols must be killed”. We say bump Morrissey off now.
Also worth checking out in 2005 are El Presidente, Sunshine, The Engineers and The Towers of London - there's more but I'll stop there. Will these bands be the industry darlings in 2005? Surely they’re ours already.
Photos:
Kaiser Chiefs by Sakura Henderson
Thee Unstrung by Andrew Kendall
