Cougar Microbes

 Still only in their early 20′s Londoner‘s Bombay Bicycle Club released their third album in as many years in 2011. Just as the novelty factor of the foursome being fresh out of school was starting to wear off they produced an album that begs to be described as mature.

Those expecting more acoustic forays in the style of ‘Flaws‘ might be disappointed as ‘A Different Kind Of Fix‘ signals yet another evolution for the band. This time round they showcase a slick layered sound that sits them comfortably at the table with other British cutesy indie stalwarts such as Los Campesinos with the ambition of Editors.

It really feels like they were less concerned with wearing their influences on their sleeves as obviously as in the past. Instead, with the help of producer Ben H. Allen, they recorded an album that nods to American Indie but crucially sounds like Bombay Bicycle Club.

It might have a flaw or two but it sounds like it comes from a genuine place.

TRACKS:

Bombay Bicycle Club – How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep

At 21 Blind Pilots could already be considered veterans on the Irish scene having formed a long long five years ago.

Musically the 4-piece evoke the likes of Editors and White Lies. Whilst it is slightly akward when bands score that “big rock band sound” before actually having made it big these tracks wouldnt feel out of placer on a platinum selling album.

Keep an eye on them as they continue to build their atmospheric indie-pop sound.

TRACKS:

Blind Pilots – Rosé Cheeks

Blind Pilots – Cocktail

With just a handful of tracks in my possession I think it is fair to say Oscar Charlie have kept me guessing since I first heard them at the start of this year. Hailing from the Shetland Isles, but recently relocated to Glasgow, the band’s synth heavy songs weren’t what I was expecting when I first checked them out.

Sounding positively brooding and taking the quiet/loud mantle from their contemporaries the band  mix elements from Editors as well as fellow scots Copy Haho, Idlewild and Frightened Rabbit.

in just a few tracks Oscar Charlie display a load of promise and a tendency to build layer upon layer of melodious sound.With a single just released and an EP due at the start of June I would recommend keeping tabs on this lot.

TRACKS:

Oscar Charlie – Hello Chrono

The Kissaway Trial had seemingly gone missing since I saw them at Wireless Festival and subsequently wrote this glowing review.

The above statement is not strictly true as over the last few years the Danish 5-piece have been silently honing their sound and sharing stages with artists as diverse as Sigur Ros, Editors and Passion Pit.

The band are gearing up for a return in 2010 with a new album titled ‘Sleep Mountain’, out on Bella Union, that triumphantly builds on the foundations laid down for their 2007 self-titled debut.

The first song to be unleashed from the upcoming release is the stomping ‘SDP’’ with its six-minutes of buoyant energy.  Fans of the bands previous output will draw parallels gems like ‘61’ and the awesome ‘Smother + Evil = Hurt’ and the trademark dual vocals are still at the forefront. Producer Peter Katis’ work with Interpol and The National may well have rubbed off on The Kissaway Trail because they look and sound more focussed than ever before.

‘Sleep Mountain‘ may well be one of the releases to look forward to in 2010.

TRACKS:

The Kissaway Trail – SDP