Northern Portrait - Criminal Art Lovers

Bands that sound like the Smith eh? Must admit I prefer them over their inspiration. Never could quite fall for the quiffed ones voice but then I could quite easily take in a pleasant afternoon in the company of these Danes. This spangly number is the title track from their debut album, which came out just last month. Everything is in its right place, the slightly melancholic vocals, the preppy jangle, artful artwork and the sense that smoking at bus shelters is really one of the coolest pursuits known to pre-man. For all that you don’t need to be in on the knowing references because behind the scenery stoops a really fine song. KD

Northern Portrait - Criminal Art Lovers

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Northern Portrait
Year: 2009

Kat Edmonson - Lucky

An artist from Austin and not a subtle chord change in sight. Yep this tune from Kat Edmonson is shorn of much of the decoration that you’d expect from that neck of the woods. That doesn’t in the least bit inhibit its ability to sound spellbinding however; all you’ll need this cold winter evening is Kat’s voice and some background sounds made with a Fisher-price toy. ‘Lucky’ clocks in at sub 3 minutes but is blessed with such clarity you can be assured of a genuine jolt of happiness. KD

Kat Edmonson - Lucky

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Kat Edmonson
Year: 2007

The Van Allen Belt - Over The Dream

The Van Allen Belt from Pittsburgh are a singular outfit and one we hold dear to our hearts. They even let us release their debut on indiecater last year and we know that some day it will be heralded for the genius piece of bonkers that it is. A knowing bonkers it must be said however because even if the shapeshifting drama knocks you off your feet the home truths in the lyrics will apply the requisite damp cloth to your sweaty forehead. And now and then the words are as hilarious as they are destined to hit the truth bullseye. ‘Superpowerfragilis’, the follow up to ‘Meal Ticket To Purgatory’ is no less dramatic than its predecessor and if anything is even more cinematic in its vision. Daytime radio this is not but it could quite easily fill the dark hours with an unparalleled soundtrack. Destiny is on their side and success will be theirs, so join up before it gets too crowded. Don’t believe me? Well then let the following piece open your mindsear. KD

The Van Allen Belt - Over The Dream

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Van Allen Belt
Year: 2010

Manwomanchild - Reasons

This one came from out of the blue (or if I’m being less economical with the truth via an email from a fan of the band…cheers dave) and immediately sat at the top of the pile. Details about Manwomanchild are scant save for the fact that they live in Chicago. They could also read he for that’s what the press pics would tend to suggest. ‘Reasons’ is raw, adventurous and a wonderful reminder of an Irish band of yore called the Ultra Montanes who delivered a clutch of sparkling singles in the mid-nineties. It’s the juxtaposition of the shiny chords and the slightly coarse vocals where the alchemy happens and for that reason my groaning index finger is cursing me for organising endless replays. A band that all the family can savour. KD

Manwomanchild - Reasons

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Manwomanchild
Year: 2010

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Modern Mystery

On the 23rd of April 2007 the server that hosted Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin’s website dramatically crashed. It returned later that week but despite a thorough investigation and sincere soul-searching the cause of the blackout remains a mystery for the Missouri 4-piece. SSLYBY are an example of the archetypal indie act who are forever within a whisker of widespread success. Of course album number three, which is soon to be released (with Death Cab For Cutie fingers on production duties), could change all that and most probably will if they can conjure memorable numbers in the vein of ‘Murder Mystery’. It is taken from their last album ‘Pershing’ and features dextrous jangling chords as well as a bag of other fresh ideas. It’s not inconceivable that sometime soon website downtime might be as a direct result of an overwhelming new fanbase. I'll drink a vodka to that. KD

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Modern Mystery

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Year: 2008

Boxboro - Dear Arthur

Awhhhh, sweet indie pop, promo’d with a video parodying those scallywag Monkees. Doesn’t get much better in our book, a pretty jangle and lilting vocals will always catch our attention and ‘Dear Arthur’ is a classic of the kind. It comes from the imagination of Chris Linnane and is played in note perfect style by his band Boxboro. They are from Arlington and their recently released debut ‘You are the Hope, I am the Anchor’ should appeal to all those B&S fans who’ve felt a tad short-changed of late. Back in the day perfect little nuggets like this used to fill my mixtapes and my heart. Right now the latter's all aglow. KD

Boxboro - Dear Arthur

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Boxboro
Year: 2010

Twin Sister - I Want A House

‘I Want A House’ is characterised by empty spaces, floating wispiness fills the air and nothing of consequence can be deciphered. Why then do I adore this little tune so much? It’s one of those imponderables that only music can throw up, a most simple of shakedowns closes the piece down from about half way through and it’s altogether hypnotic to these ears. Twin Sister are a New York 5-piece who dished out their first release for free but are going all vinyl on us for the soon to be unleashed follow up. For fans of Stereolab 45’s spun at 33 1/3. KD

Twin Sister - I Want A House

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Twin Sister
Year: 2008