As we head into the first days of 2014, who will we be likely to see creating a buzz throughout the coming months? We take a look in our crystal ball and field a few names we have high hopes for in 2014.
Linn Branson
CROWS
Without doubt the most impressive live band I caught last year - and one whom I can't wait to see again. They fired off two big songs - 'Frankish Empire' and 'Silver Tongues' - last year, and had those who had seen or heard them praising their dark psych sound, and not least the even more dark, and more menacing, frontman, James Cox.
CuT
Another who I caught in 2013 for a live gig, and who look an impressive lot. Good punchy songs, and a wild rock god type frontman and a guitarist wearing pearls (yes, pearls! I couldn't believe it either!). What's not to like then? With the right push and right single, could be firing big guns this year with their sonic assault.
SLAVES
If Crushed Beaks and Drenge set the wheels in motion for drum'n'bass duos, Slaves look set to carry the flame on into 2014. Hailing from Tunbridge Wells, they employ a touch of the Mike Skinner's and a live set that has to be the indie equivalent of what might be termed 'a good old knees-up' with ribald song intros, crowd banter and general bonhomie.
BABYPINK
Seeing them live for the first time just a few nights ago was enough to convince me that this band is heading in only one direction: UP. From the West Midlands stable in a Swimming Deeply-Peace-ful way, the four-piece are big on basslines, catchy riffs and an enigmatic frontman to boot.
Dave Beech
Being from Manchester, it seems only fair that my 'Ones to Watch' for the upcoming year come from my city also. With PINS, MONEY and The Minx all making waves last year, it seems Manchester is looking to continue where Birmingham left off, with a host of bands vying for your attention. Two such bands that look to take off next year are:
LETTERS TO FIESTA
Having been something of an enigma until around this time last year, Letters to Fiesta slowly began to reveal themselves, posting the occasional track online, eventually resulting in the release of their debut EP 'Aphorism' which was met with more than favourable reviews. Blending camp theatrics with haunting atmospherics, whilst singer Anna Ethrington's vocals range from a fragile whisper to something far more imposing. I'm expecting big things from the band over the coming months.
PATTERNS
“We are from Manchester but we are not defined or limited by what that entails.” states the band's website, and in short that pretty much summarises what Patterns are about. Refusing to be tied down by the generic indie-pop stereotype so often perpetuated by some of Manchester's other acts. Influenced by, but not derrivitave of, such 80's alternative stalwarts as The Jesus and Mary Chain or My Bloody Valentine, Patterns also throw some contemporary electronica in to their ensemble making their own brand of psych infused shoegaze all that fresher. Realising their debut album 'Waking Lines' (released this week), it seems the lads are going in to 2014 all guns blazing, with no signs of slowing down.
Harry Barnes
ROYAL BLOOD
The first big tip for 2014 has to go to the mammoth Royal Blood. If you haven't heard of them yet, you will do soon: they're supporting Arctic Monkeys. They're more than capable, after seeing them fill a newly opened club, The Bermuda Triangle, in Brighton in December. Expect a heavy, Queens Of The Stone Age and White Stripes mix.
WOLF ALICE
'Blush' by Wolf Alice is a swooning example of the heights of music Ellie Rowsell and co will reach in 2014. An expected LP this year is going to have high expectations after the band were voted the most blogged about artist of 2013 by BBC Radio 6. Having seen them support Tribes, it is now their time to step into the limelight, and shine.
TELEGRAM
Telegram are a shoegazey band, fused with pop roots and gritty guitars. They are the most unique of the new bands around, sounding like they belong in the 60s at times. Having made steady progress last year, they are on course for bigger things in 2014.
Alison Mack
CIRCA WAVES
Their double A-side debut last year 'Get Away'/'Good For Me' showed the garage fuzz buzzers from Liverpool to have enough rock and rawness to comfortably see them into the new year - and beyond. Bad ass!
JOANNA GRUESOME
A headlong rush from fuzzy pop'Sugarcrush', the Cardiff noise-pop lot rip up MBV, juxtaposed against fragility and punk. Awesome.
Andrew Major
DAN CROLL
A product of Liverpool’s LIPA Academy, Dan Croll offers an ambient blend of tropical Beach Boys vibes with a classic folk twist. Made some ripples in 2013, sure to become waves in the not-too-distant future.
CHANCE THE RAPPER
Following the release of the 2013 album ‘Acid Rap’, eccentric Chicago-based Chance The Rapper has been on the up. Featuring on James Blake’s Mercury Prize winning ‘Overgrown’ and generally amassing an arsenal of friends in high places, Mr Chance’s own brand of hip-hop is impossible to ignore, and extremely hard not to enjoy.
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