2STEPSFORWARD4STEPSBACK TIPS.09///PART.1

Welcome To The Future. Or just to 2009, 1 week in. You've probabaly found it near impossible to avoid some sort of new bands for the new year list, so I thought I'd nudge forward my own list of hopefuls to add to the chaos. I should explain that the following artists aren't the ones most likely to make it BIG. Anyone can reel you off a list of those shmucks. These are just the people that I hope get some recognition, some attention. So roll up, here's Part 1 xx


Venice Ahoy are an exciting prospect. Four boys hailing from Southampton where we recently ventured to see them play at their local haunt, The Joiners. It was loud and fast but above all, the music was really, really tight. That's what struck people when their 3-track EP surfaced - how fully formed and complete the songs were. You must have heard 'Fireworks' by now, but if you haven't I heavily reccommend you check it out. Venice Ahoy make this new brand Math that isn't for the high brow and pretentious. Call it Math Pop if you like; I suppose the fast fret board action and the pure easy catchiness of it could be pretty aptly described in that way. Just try and catch them soon, they've been recording in New York and they're gonna burst real soon.
MP3: Venice Ahoy - Fireworks

Micachu is not a pokemon, as much as the name kinda sounds like one. It's actually the stage name of Mica Levi - by far the most interesting of the female acts set to make 2009 their own. Sure Florence Welch will climb the charts with her confidant vocals, but Micachu is doing something new. Playing live with her backing band The Shapes, she's quickly gaining interest - scoring a support slot for the forthcoming Late Of The Pier tour. Her voice is instantly memorable, standing out from any girl or boy singing at the moment. The music blends acoustic guitar with glitchy electronics and the occasional vaccuum cleaner. This is what new music is about.
MP3: Micachu - Golden Phone

Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. is a familiar name on here - they've been firm favourites ever since they rose from the ashes of Les Incompétents like a zombie. They've been releasing music for a little while now, last year saw the emergence of Opus 1 and 2; two spectacular mini albums showing real dark flare. But hopefully this year they'll gain more recognition of their genius, play some more gigs, and get some exposure. The music is hauntingly disjointed and at times relentlessly hard-hitting. But it's centred around Fredrick Blood-Royale's totally unique vocal style and doom-fixated lyrics. Basically there is no-one anywhere that comes close to what this band are doing. Who knows what they'll do in 2009, but whatever it is, you can bet it'll be epic.
MP3: Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. - Null-O

xx There's loads more to come so keep your ears to the groundd