When you think of bands from Essex, who crosses your mind? The pioneering indie rock of Blur? The genre-defying exploits of The Horrors? What about the radical musings of These New Puritans?
For a county famed for its fake tan and cheap hair extensions, there's plenty of remarkable music bubbling under the surface. You just need to look a little closer.
Thankfully, we've done just that and unearthed the Essex bands that you need to listen to right now.
Wanting to keep your finger on Essex's pulse? We've got you covered. Here are the 10 most exciting bands to look out for.
Superglu: The Manningtree quartet may have only teased a meagre two songs, but it's plain to see (and hear) that Superglu are on the right track. If 'Diving Bell' is steeped in call and response chants and guitars that jangle with delicious abandon, 'Latvian' is underpinned by sugary harmonies and subtle ambition. The ramshackle indie pop that we've been treated to so far has left us swooning and deservedly so - Superglu have Pritt Sticked themselves firmly onto our hearts.
Velvet Morning: It makes sense for Velvet Morning to hail from so close to the sea, as what is produced is languorous psychedelic pop that is as glacial and immersive as you would hope. Billed simply as the project of Samuel Jones, there are affectionate nods to Thee Oh Sees and Connan Mockasin but subtle enough to not slip into pastiche - this is very much a beast of Jones' making.
Frett: Fresh from being handpicked by Huw Stephens to open the Lake Stage at Latitude, Frett ooze a dreamy, assured quality that is rare to find in such fresh-faced bands. From the seductive R&B of 'Tyro' to 'Drop Of Starch's hypnotic sparseness, the duo bury irresistible hooks in every crevice. Finding them has never been such a joy.
Egyptian Blue: There's a lot to be said about one dimensional guitar bands these days, but Egyptian Blue stick two fingers up to their contemporaries. Recent single 'Do You Think You're Worth Your Soul' veers between both playfulness and intensity, coaxing you to the dancefloor, flirting with psychedelic noodling, before knocking you off your feet with a killer chorus. Only problem is, we need more.
Animal Noise: Animal Noise have been pottering around Colchester for some time, gradually refining their unique blend of hushed folk and frantic grunge thrashing until now, when it appears primed for world domination. Whispers of a new album ignite hope that they will build on the promise of tracks like 'Alright', the perfect tightrope walk of quivering acoustic wizardry and soaring euphoria.
Youth Club: Prefer your indie on the epic side? Youth Club serve up breezy anthems with a pop sheen that reach for the stars, a sound that should have seen them promoted to the big leagues a long time ago. Most recent EP Brothers cemented inevitable calls for wider recognition.
Pistols and Vultures: Another band plying their trade in Colchester, the four piece deliver thundering riffs and surging choruses by the bucket load. 'Take Me Away' will rattle even the most stoic of listeners and seems destined to be screamed by festival audiences across the country.
Courts: There are few bands doing what Courts are at the moment, which is why they have every right to brag and simply shouldn't be ignored. Splicing unhinged hip hop and funk influences, tracks like 'Sanatana' pulsate with woozy abandon, a tangle of hazy guitar licks and captivating beats.
Surge: Dismiss Surge at your peril, for their arsenal of tracks employ angular riffs and excitable vocals aplenty. Far from one trick ponies, the band unleash melodies that should soundtrack every indie disco.
F.O.X: If claiming The Libertines' Gary Powell as a fan wasn't enough, F.O.X have the tunes to back up the bluster. Producing electronic epics in the mould of Depeche Mode, the trio will be blowing the roofs off stadiums with songs such as 'Untouchable' in no time.
