Gigwise Vs Oxford: More Than Just Spires

Oxford’s not exactly known as the bustling city with the great music scene. You might know it because of its famous spires or the prestigious university; you may even know it, in the words of Alexei from Johnny Foreigner, as “the city full of rich c***s”. Well, we’re here to prove you wrong with a feature that will shine a much needed light on a city overshadowed by its intellectual superiority for too long.

Let’s start with ‘mathletic’ superstars Foals; who boast a mammoth volume of column inches these days. Gigwise’s very own David Moore, called them “highly educated boys making music that is as much about pulling as the Pigeon Detectives know about splitting the atom.” Find our full review here. Thank God for that! This band are a very big deal right now, selling out the local beer sponsored venue faster than the Klaxons (this is fact). Their debut album ‘Antidote’ is out right, about… now.

Youthmovies

Following hot on their topped for greatness heels is Youthmovies. Last year we were lucky enough to catch them in London (Not even in Oxford!) and we called them “the maestros of musically talented youth… elitist on merit alone; musical librarians for the jilted generation.” They released the album ‘Good Nature’ last month. Find our review here.

This Town Needs Guns

For those of you cowering under the covers you may not have noticed the inescapably great, This Town Needs Guns making a melodic racket across the city. Stu from the band says that their new stuff “sounds like Herbie Hancock conducting Make Believe whilst My Disco gives tips on rhythm and Mike Kinsella weeps wistful melodies into a microphone”. We said that they “boast fairytale magical melodies swirling in front of emotionally awakened eyes”. Find our review here. They are currently in the studio releasing an album scheduled for release later this year.

Jonquil

In their own words, Jonquil are “six well kept boys who play lots of instruments at the same time, in time with each other. (They) like parties and music that sounds like parties”. Gigwise’s Jon Fletcher said their “Acoustic folk melds easily with studio manipulated electronic noise without a hint of self conscious experimentation.” Find our review here. Jonquil are currently on a national tour until June.