StudentPunch.com 2011 Big Bad Music Tip List
It’s a bit like the BBC Sound Of 2011 list but shorter, full of more Scottish based bands and minus any Fearne Cotton/Chris Moyles rubbish banter.
James Blake
22 year old James Blake hails from London Town and upholds the cities reputation as a hotbed for new, innovative talent. After securing fans in the influential Radio One barracks with the 12” ‘Air and Lack Thereof’, his stunning cover of Feist’s ‘Limit to Your Love’ successfully rode the airwaves in the latter half of 2010. His style is breathtakingly transgressive, with roots in dubstep and electronica while maintaining all the emotion and soul of the likes of Bon Iver. Blake’s graceful use of rhythm, voice - and most interestingly silence – highlights him as one to watch in 2011. His debut album is due out on the 7th of February.
Check out James Blake here.
The Vaccines
Imagine being pals with Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling and Marcus Mumford and watching them rise to stardom while you hover on the periphery of fame and fortune. Some might give up and promptly apply to Tesco…others, like Justin Young, would rather form a new group called the Vaccines and set critical tongues awagging with jostling, retro rock n’ roll tunes. It’s easy to sneer at a band like this; call them a 5 minute wonder; bitch about the numerous generic bands that will piggy back their fame; question their originality when compared (as they so often are) to the Ramones. But then you put on one of their records and forget what your own name is - ska dancing round you’re bedroom to the boistrous1.28 second ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ is a delightful distraction from the doldrums of life. They’re not going to solve world peace any time soon, but they’ll sure show you a damn good time. Their debut album is due out on the 21st of March.
Check out The Vaccines here.
Everything Everything
Despite their debut album being released at the tail end of 2010 StudentPunch fully expects 2011 to be a big year for Everything Everything. The band are a mix of everything you will ever have heard. In their own words “Imagine a band who fuse three part harmonies with scalding post-punk guitars; floor-filling bass lines with syncopated rhythms and lyrics about everything from high-school massacres to R&B lotharios musing on their lot in a post-apocalyptic wilderness.” You will have no doubt have heard the four piece from Northumbia sneaking onto radio playlists towards the end of the 2010 and expect to hear more of them including the insanely catchy Photoshop Handsome.
Check out Everything Everything here or come see them in Glasgow in Feb.
Admiral Fallow
Admiral Fallow released their debut album in 2010 but they will be releasing the imaginatively titled “Boots Met My Face” in March 2011. The band hail from Edinburgh and Glasgow and create an eerie musical atmosphere. Following on from recent successes for the Scottish music scene in the form of Frightened Rabbit and The View, Admiral Fallow don’t hid their Scottish roots and their accents can be heard clearly throughout the album. 2011 will surely see Admiral Fallow become the soundtrack to many people’s 2011 and it will be truly deserved.
Check out Admiral Fallow Here and don't miss their Feb/March Tour.
The Barents Sea
The Barents Sea are a four piece band which creates music with all the edginess of The Twilight Sad, as well as the soothing melodies to rival The Guillemots and The Arcade Fire. This Perth based quartet, (consisting of vocalist Grant George, guitarist Tom Mitchell, Kieran Andrews on bass, and drummer Steve Cairns), have already been causing a stir in the local music scene, playing venues such as Dundee’s Fat Sams and The Doghouse, and the renowned King Tuts in Glasgow, as well as gaining a loyal following on Facebook.
On The Barents Sea’s MySpace Music page, you can find three of their recordings: Firstly, ‘O’ Brother of Mine’; a deceiving calm ballad, which soon becomes an explosion of powerful drumming, distortion, and not to mention Tom Mitchell’s killer riff. It is electrifying as well as moving. Secondly, ‘I’ve Got The Right Idea’; a piece which is more ballad- based than the first serving, and just as moving. The lyrics are sorrowful, dealing with the disappointment that love brings, and the idea of being unaccepted by the one you love. Although this may seem depressing, the lyrics are manipulated by an upbeat tempo, creating an interesting balance between optimism and pessimism. And finally, ‘Are You Alone?’ (Alternative Version) This is a concoction of the styles of both previous recordings: a haunting ballad mixed with the passion of a rock anthem. ‘Are You Alone?’ has a particular Scottish feel to it, incorporating the accordion and the organ, giving the song a traditional Scottish vibe, with a contemporary twist in the introduction of the electric guitar, drums, and bass. With words such as “Poison changes sights, when consumed I’m in your eyes”, The Barents Sea prove to be imaginative lyricists, as well talented musicians. If you’re also a fan of Frightened Rabbit, Kings of Leon or Muse, definitely give these lads a listen. The Barents Sea, are definitely one to watch for in 2011.
Check out The Barents Sea here.
Kassidy
Take four guys, plenty of syncopation and a musical blender filled with indie, rock, and folk styles, and what do you get? The exciting new sound of Kassidy. This Glasgow based foursome create both a soulful and psychedelic aura worthy of Woodstock. With an army of dedicated fans since their appearances at the likes of Stirling’s mFest, Glasgow’s QMU, not to forget T in the Park, their popularity is continuing to grow.
A great thing about the band is that all four members (Hamish Fingland, Lewis Andrew, Barrie- James O’ Neill and Chris Potter), contribute to the vocals, meaning there is not one definitive style to Kassidy: every song sounds completely different. From the soulful ‘Stray Cats’: which has elements of Aerosmith’s more bluesier numbers, as well as Neil Young, and even a hint of Franz Ferdinand- it’s a song that will definitely have you tapping your toes, to ‘Take Another Ride’, incorporating Page-esqe guitar, whilst having the all the feel of the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s classic ‘Carry On’, as well as elements of the Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ album. There is something to suit everyone with this eclectic band.
Check out Kassidy here.
Emma Wilson, Erin Woods and Cally Russell
