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	Chris Tye - Somewhere Down the Line Recorded in his home town, Birmingham, 'Somewhere Down the Line' clearly demonstrates chris's songwriting talents. This is a relaxing and soothing acoustic album, with more than a touch of quality. It's the sort of album you can have on in the background while your working or perhaps have friends around and it gently lifts your mood. www.christye.co.uk / www.myspace.com/christyemusic
	Living Things - Ahead of the Lions This is a higly rated band of brothers from the states. The album is a a scuzzy rock orientated offering quite reminiescent of the Ramones. Even if this is not you're thing, the album is also well produced and very catchy, so it's hard to dislike. First single 'Bom, Bon, Bom' is hitting the airways as I type!! find out more at www.livingthingsmusic.com
	Jason Mraz - Mr. a-Z This is a funky album that's very easy listening, but not bland. It reminds me of Jamiroquai. Musically it's very tight and imaginative. Clever lyrics all the way through, for example, your compelled to actually listen to the words from the first track "Life Is Wonderful" as he's actually got something to say. Overall a great listen, It undulates with pacey hip-pop styles through to pop ballads. This is his second album and by all accounts the first one was pretty good aswell - One to watch!.
	The Valuable Fools – The Valuable Fools An unsigned songwriting project and band from the West Midlands. This debut album demonstrates the breadth of writing and playing, from a Hip Hop song to Classic Rock/ U2 guitar stylings. Guest vocalists add to the mix. The material is Radio 2 friendly with great atmospheric edges to it. The brooding “Falling Down” with its soundscape effects and soaring viola is a prime example. All in all a promising debut full of variety and textures.www.valuablefools.co.uk
	Enola Fall - We never sleep Obvious Radiohead influence on the latest album from this Australian indie band.. It's quite well put together and works well as background, social music. It only loses it's way momentarily with 'the ocean in your room' and 'don't lose your head' which get a little grating. Otherwise a strong album, with intelligently crafted rock / pop.
	Test Icicles – For Screening Purposes Only Given recent incidents of being booed off stage while supporting the Arctic Monkeys I was a bit dubious about what I might find. What I found was a great album from a band with one purpose in mind, to make a controlled racket while merging as many music genres as possible creating their own unique sound in the process. The bands influences appear to cover everything from metal, hardcore, rock, hip-hop, and pop. Although at times it appears that there are just too many ideas, the band are excellent and sound like a cross between Bloc Party, DFA 1979 and Muse. While most current bands appear to be trying for radio friendly tunes, Test Icicles appear to do the opposite. That said, the album and especially the singles, ‘Boa vs. Python’ and ‘Circle Square Triangle’ are stompingly good.
	Enola Fall - We never sleep An unusual mixturefrom Austrailain Indie outfit, sounding mostly like Radiohead, but then occassional drifting of towards the Levellers. Intense vocals and and a range of instruments - sometimes going acoustic, sometimes electronic. Quite accessible and catchy on first play, although the vocals grate towards the end. It sounds a bit dramatic in places, where it dips into Nick Cave dimensions on sleepless. Sort of band that could develop a large cult following. More at http://www.enolafall.de
	Rob McCulloch - Thoughts Alone Rob McCulloch is the next big thing to emerge from the musical talent pool of Manchester. It is clear that he's been influenced by previous 'local artists', in particular Oasis. Other influences could be the Verve and Paul Weller. While the album opens with a good track, it's just a little to similar to Oasis. So first impressions are Oasis clone, but press on. Once you're passed track one the album is seemless blend of well crafted and multi layered pop/indie/rock. It's not the most original sounding album, but it's solid good music.
	Dualers - Truly Madly Deeply This is one of the catchiest tunes I've heard this year. These guys perform a blend of Ska and Reggae and this is there second single - the first entering the charts last year even though they didn't have a record company management and minimal airplay. They established themselves as 'busking brothers', gaining them widespread recognition and a large fan base. Catch the single and catch them live if you can. find out more at http://www.thedualers.com
	Zom Zoms - One Brain This is the sort of band you either love or hate. Is it exhilirating or just irritating, you'll have to decide. Basically it's crazy synth and guitar based pop, with bizarre, squawked lyrics. It's fairly compelling as it's a) interesting and b)quite catchy in places. However, it's also farily challenging and you won't be hearing much of them on Radio 2.
	Monster 0 - And then there were zero quirky pop / new wave, which is a potentially dated sound, but they get away with it delivering an inventful mix of styles. Some 80's electronica, some Kaiser Chiefs / Bravery snippits, along with the occassional 'jam' like bass & drums, Throw in a bit of 90's say - stone roses, a tad of originality and bob's your uncle. Quite a roller coaster really. I wasn't over impressed with their previous ep, but this one offers better quality tracks, with more substance, but still very eclectic.
	Niall James Holahan (the dark prince of pop) - A Beautiful Corpse This guy is a talent. He's a solo artist from Dublin with a catalogur pf 'lo-fi' releases who has showcased material in Ireland and the States. On first play it sounds like it's got some Beatle-esque influences along with some Dylan-ish touches. But it fairly stands by itself. Find out more at http://www.nialljamesholohan.com/
	AdamK - Who the f*ck is adamk This is a self produced album that is a little rough around the edges. What it does show though the Adam K is talented and versatile. All songs are written, produced and performed by him. It starts of with a bit of a rap-fest and then gets a bit surreal with a track that a bt more experimental - Ed Harcourt - ish. The rest is a blend of abstract electro songs that may have have some potential, but the overall quality of the finished CD doesn;t do it justice. Yu can find out more about Adamk at http://www.adamkmusic.com
	Boxer Rebellion - Exits The Boxer Rebellion are Nathan Nicholson (singing/guitars), Todd Howe (lead guitars), Adam Harrison (electric bass) and Piers Hewitt (drums) Exits is a rock offering and some have commented on the the energy, pace and angst within the tracks on this album. I don't think it's quite as heavy as imtimated. If you get past the prominent vocals, then musically this is quite interesting. There are flashbacks to U2 and syncopated beats reminiscent of early 'simple minds' material. This is a good starter album and the band show a lot or potential. For me though the vocals are a touch overpowering.
	Sour Mournings - Whirlpool Dreamy and psychedelic, but essentially with a pop edge. A little bit Beatle-ish, you could say. In terms of song construction it's fairly simple structures with a slight rawness. A little wishy washy in places, but overall nice melodies and good tracks. More information about the band at http://www.sourmournings.com
	Simple Plan - Still Not Getting Any Simple Plan are from Montreal, Canada and despite not wanting to be categorised, they do fall into the pop/ rock/ punk category. This is Obviously a very competitve sector so have there work cut out competing bands such as Green Day, Sum 41 and Limp Bizkit. That a side they are pretty good and this there second album is positive step in the right direction. Tracks like 'me against the world' are abit angst ridden in a 'Nirvana' way. But on the whole the album is tight with great melodies and strong chorus'. One extra thing that helps to distinguishes them from other bands in the genre is that lyrically they're fairly intelligent (generally) and compelling. Find out more from this band at 'http://www.hyperlaunch.com/simpleplan'
	Uber Cool Kung Fu Minneapolis' Uber Cool Kung Fu (aka the UCK*F) mix equal parts new-century pop punk and classic techno-industrial to create a sound equal parts bright & shiny and dark & edgy. If you like any 80's bands such as Depeche Mode or or early Human League, then you might like this 21st Century version. It's sulkier and funkier and with a bit more edge in places, but essentially influenced by that era. The album contains some great tracks, that aer fairly wide appealing and is an alround good listen.
	Jeanne T Arrigo Chicago based folk/ pop artist. She has been told on numerous occasions that her sound and style are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, which is a comparison she doesn't quite believe but to which she certainly aspires. Whether this is true or not that's up to you to decide, but what is true is that it's good quality material for the genre, with light but catchy melodies. check out her website at http://www.jeannetarrigo.com/
	Zillions - The Zillions Play Zig Zag Zillionaire The Zillions are basically Nick Craft from Australia. They've released a mini album which is available from Amazon amongst other places. It's fairly poppy stuf that flows along at fair pace. It's got a very summery feel but is not wet or soppy. Others have described their sound as similar to the byrds, which is fair, but what I've heard has a deeper pace -ier feel. It's very catchy, feel good and upbeat, although the quality of the recording gives it a live feel. More info at http://www.musicforears.com/
	Aberfeldy - Forever Young Scottish pop band, with a great light breezy acoustic feel. Quite fresh and orignal sounf, with lots of catchy poppy hooks along with nice harmonies. It's a very relaxing listen, but not that relaxing that you nod off. Loads of good tracks, with track 9, 'Surly Girl', wining the quirky award as I'm sure it's got a sample from the Phoenix Nights theme in there. THis band could be 'next big thing', although I hope the artwork of their next release is less umm humpy.
	Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand wow! these are good, take all your fave modern day rock bands, mix them all together and what do you get? This lot - and they are superb
	Monster-0 - Entertainment System This has got an 80's retro feel. It's a bit like Depeche Mode, but not quite as dark. Good electronic dance beats and pretty catchy allround. Find out more at http://www.monster-0.com
	Jane - Close up and real This is Jane's debut album and it begs the question - with such great songs, why hasn't somebody snapped up the artist and made her into a star. It's fairly easy going stuff, lots of country orientated ballads and light tempo pop, but most importantly good songs. My Fave is 'We Are One'. If you think this is your thing, you can find out more at http://www.janemusic.info
	The Matthew Show - Texas The Matthew show is mostly Matthew from what I can gather and Matthew is originally from Texas and now based in New York. The album is a good collection of pop tracks - some of them a bit quirky. The Higlight for to me is Office Suite (parts 1 & 2), which is hard biting look at office life, that really hits the nail on the head - excelent stuff.
	Small Victories - Holding On Hopefully there could be something bug brewing for this debut album from the five piece from Cardiff. They have a sound similar to a number of influential UK bands. Watch these guy as they will sneak up behind you.
	Bany Strange - The Make-out Sessions Boston's Baby Strange have come up with a winner with this set of 5 tracks. They've got a nice crispy-clean rock sound, which more than hints of influences such as the Rolling Stones. Very catchy and fairly easy on the ear. http://www.babystrange.com
	Chip Houston - Chasing the Dark Chip Houston has spent the last five years of his life dedicated to his music and on first play of "Chasing the Dark", you can tell that this is a guy that's really into what he's doing. The album is good solid easy going rock, with lots of great acoustic guitar work wrapped up with a pop edge. There's no denying that the quality is here with the material on this album, not to mention great vocals and lyrics. The only question that remain is whether the unique selling point is strong enough to get the artist noticed. Check it out at www.chiphouston.com
	Butterfly Boucher - Flutterby What's going on this week, we've just reviewed the brilliant Amy Winehouse and now here's another fantastic artist and album. Butterfly Boucher (bizarre name, but memorable) has a superb voice.
	Amy Winehouse - Frank This the debut album for UK based Amy and the first time of heard of her, but what a find. Amy has a stunning voice, soulful, dark not far away from Macy Gray.
	Mr E A Million Faces Mr E are a four piece rock / pop band from Southampton. Think of bands like Stereophonics, Feeder and even the Jam and you'll be on the right lines. The album is very good, lots of edge, with just the right amount of melody. http://www.mre-online.com/
	Sion Whiley Promo CD Opening track has lots of atmospher and raw energy climaxing with a strong chorus. Track 2, Cherry Blossom Blue, musically has an 80's feel a bit like the cure, but vocally it's more like Mick Jagger. http://www.headshaker.co.uk/
	Matmos The Civil War Well if you want something a bit different, then try this. A bizzare mix of traditional and electronic instruments, which at times sound really good, such as on "reconstruction" and elsewhere a bit irritating towards the end of "YTTE". It's quite funky in places and and in others it could be classed as ambient. Overall it's experimental electronica, but unlike some in this genre, this album is quite cohesive and enjoyable.
	Scout Nibblet I am Nice charismatic vocals and earthy, simple music. This sounds like a band with potential, but the songs are a little underdeveloped and at times it sounds like an improvised jamming session.
	Oceansize Effloresce Great instrumental intro, fairly rock 'n' roll, deep, moody but with lots of melody. Beginning to wonder whether the vocalist had got a case of nerves, but eventually we get low key vocals, drifting in and out of the melody. Quite effective and will probably appeal to radiohead fans
	Aslan Made in Dublin It's a bit of a cheek putting one of Ireland's biggest rock bands in this section, but maybe this release will help them to be the next big thing in the UK\US too
	Parley Sound Parsley Sounds In places a cross between David Sylvian's "Ghosts" and the Clangers...
	Anjali The World of Lady A Sweeping psychedelic sounds with as sexy vocals as you're likely to hear. Mix this up with some funkier stuff and you begin to get the picture. I Can't help thinking of the film Barbarella.
	Erase Errata At Crystal Palace "Sounds a bit of a weird student band, with heavy reliance on bizzare instrument playing. Will they be the next BIG thing, me thinks not."
Do you think your band is the next BIG thing ? Well if you are a new band or you manage a new band and want some exposure then send us a copy of your album together with info about the album and the band and we will stick it up on our new section next BIG thing ?. We will rate it out of 5, if it scores 5 we will do a full review on R4U. Send your stuff to: next BIG thing reviewed4u.com P.O.Box 9749 Birmingham B28 0WB