North Atlantic Oscillation – ‘Some Blue Hive’ (One) Released: 16/04/07

Tipped to be Scotland’s next breakthrough act after their sold-out EP ‘Star Chamber’ post-pop electro-duo North Atlantic Oscillation release their first single ‘Some Blue Hive’ courtesy of OneRecords. Apparently, they make all their own samples themselves, so there’s no excuse for the awkward ‘space-age’ tinkle that opens this track. Indeed, when the vocals actually kick in, you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve accidentally opened a new window on Myspace and the Beta Band have started singing over the top. Fortunately, after about minute the two conflicting sounds suddenly become aware of each other and jump into bed to make quite a compellingly rich and complex musical landscape reminiscent of Kid A’s finer moments. While perhaps not establishing them as the next big thing, there is certainly fertile ground here for future endeavour.