New Bands

Last update: 2005-07-18 18:39:26

Melody Shaker New Music Guide

It's 2005, and already top bands like Top Hate and Haig Marshall are storming the singles charts whilst simultaneously wowing the critics. But what about 2006? With a band's shelf-life generally restricted to just 17 days, 7 hours and 9 minutes, what can we expect in the coming months? Mikeynet's intrepid reporter Western Sanchez struggles to find out.

Best Haircuts

"Six months ago, you would have written of Birmingham's Skallywags as a cheap knock-off of Liverpool bands such as The Chorusline and The Seashanty. But now, with those band's glory days well in the past it is the 'Wags chance to shine. Singer Colm Bernard brings together the best elements of Tom Jones from seminal electronic elk-folk pionners Freezer Fingers to Michael Foot, combining them to create a force which will never be seen again."

BUY THIS: The Coal EP (Didn't Records, 2005)

Best Use of Colour

"Unusually, Bristol-based four-piece The Power of France lack a drummer - instead they operate simply using a banjo cactus and an accordian. However, rather than opting for the obvious sound, they create soundscapes worthy of a Mitchell Cholera symphony."

BUY THIS: Open/Shut Face (Dennis Records, 2005)

Best Drug Abuser

"Since 1950 when Terry Caster first plugged his guitar into a loudspeaker thinking it was a fridge, the electric guitar has been a symbol of rock and roll decadance and rebellion. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Romford's Trainstation Alpha use them. To further push this point, singer Transbolt Murchenson takes drugs live on stage. It's only when rock and roll is distilled down into such visceral elements that you realise just how much of your life you have been wasting."

BUY THIS: Kojak Nightmares (Soap, 2004)

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