Just before you run for the hills at the start of ‘I Am A Musician’ for fear of an assault of the Bon Jovi’s be warned that staying out of ear shot would be a loss to the side of your brain that craves free form rock gems. Because that's the sort of blaze of glory (!) that this song from Montreal’s Plajia is. Patrick Pleau supplies the knee weakeningly graceful vocals while a tornedo of noise blusters about in the long grass. Things become a tad overblown towards the end but the journey to that point is intriguing and repeated listens are rewarded. ‘I Am A Musician’ is taken from the bands second album which is currently in post production. KD

Plajia - Am I A Magician

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Buy Plajia: Sitis & Fetch
Year: 2007

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Wales has got its music playing English Literature students so there was nothing to the stop their Scottish counterparts making a similiar fuss. I was pointed in Gdansk's direction by one of the lecturers (thanks Prof!) at Strathclyde University and was immediately struck by their ambition. Gdansk are a quartet with an unusually fine eye for taking the gloom of Joy Division and fizzing it up with the jangling thrills of the Wedding Present. As you’d expect Interpol also get a look in but somewhere between the fertilizing influences and the intriguing translation has appeared a ripe new sound that is seeping in melody. If you are quick you’ll be able to pick up a clutch of new songs from Gdansk at their myspace. Probably won’t be up there for long though because some lucky label is going to bag them in the very near future. According to lead man Andy Campbell ‘Kicking A Television’ is a live favourite and it’s easy to see why with its shimmering chords and feisty rhythms this is just made for an unforgettable end of gig blowout. Gdansk is Poland’s largest seaport but did you know it is also Scotland’s brightest new band. An album 'F Number' is in the works. KD

Gdansk - Kicking A Television

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Year: 2007

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Although less celebrated than the Arcade Fire's central core Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel prove once again why a husband and wife team can seduce the creative nerves into something approaching bliss. Together they are Mates of State, an uproariously joyous musical apparition with songs to make your ears wiggle and your legs, well, jiggle (?). ‘Fraud In The ‘80’s’ is taken from the duo’s much lauded 4th album ‘Bring It Back’ and despite it taking almost six months to snare my adoration there’s no doubt that from the get go you’ll know you are onto a winner. The scuzzy organ may exhibit limited dimensions but there is a delicate game being played here and its initial abrasiveness is upwardly reevaluated by the swoonful chorus. The song is versatile too and constant replays go to prove that Mates of State were in truly inspired form the day they sat down to create it. KD

Mates of State - Fraud in the 80's

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Buy Album: [UK] Bring It Back [US] Bring It Back
Year: 2006

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Today I happened upon a new song called ‘Dream On’ taken from Celestial's forthcoming album to be released on Skipping Stones Records. It is a fantastic ditty with a dainty shoegaze spring in its step. It sounded so familiar though.

Celestial - Dream On

Celestial have been about for a time and have already released 2 EP’s ingeniously titled EP1 & EP2 many moons ago. Both can be downloaded for free on the Lost Music net label. My favourite track is ‘The Boy Who Never Says Goodbye’. Probably won’t be the last we hear of this magical tune.

Celestial - The Boy Who Never Says Goodbye

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Buy Album: Very Soon
Year: 2007

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Thankfully not a return to the days of the little tykes and their tweeny takes on the hits of the day. More a delicious combo from San Francisco with a chanteuse spilling dreamy vocals the likes we haven’t heard for aeons. Behind her is a rhythm section that stops short of blistering eardrums even though you know they want to. ‘Precious’ is the title track from their debut EP and it lives up to its billing with aplomb. This is a delicate pop production that won’t blow you away but may give you the sort of tingles normally associated with a heightened sense of happiness. With an album at an advanced stage of production, upcoming support slots to Midlake and a SXSW appearance on the way 2007 could be a really busy year for Minipop. Catch them before they go minor to major. KD

Minipop - Precious

Watch The Video To Fingerprints

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Buy: Precious EP
Year: 2005

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James Smith rose phoenix like from the embers of his old band with a clear plan to set the world alight all on his own. By stripping back on the band mates he could concentrate on audiofying what was bouncing around his head. In the process he has created a tidy package of tunes that could give bedroom pop the kick up the backside it needs. Smith is from Belfast and his part of the city must be a pleasant place to be as his flat gently sways to the sounds filtering from his computer. There are elements of Caribou in exmagician’s electronic presentations and an eagerness to cross genre boundary lines merely adds to a sound that quietly grows in your affections. Included here are just 2 of exmagician’s latest tracks. ‘Plan Retrieval’ is delicious slice of lo-fi pop, surface values are nice but there are discoveries deeper down that keep you coming back for more. ‘Our Days Are Numbered’ sees Smith change tact, wandering close to troubadour territory before sidestepping tired clichés and inventing a bright new template all on his own. KD

exmagician - Our Days Are Numbered

exmagician - Plan Retrieval

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Buy Album: Watch This Space
Year: 2007

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Dedicated to anyone out there who’s still in love despite the recent passing of Valentine's Day. Eberg is an Icelandic electronic kid based in London. He’s received some UK airplay and has an album called ‘Voff Voff’ (I’m sure your local HMV counter assistant will be very helpful) from which this golden number has been taken. Eberg manages to talk in romantic terms about a beautiful part of the body without ever sounding creepy, a notable achievement and one that may afford would-be amateur Lothario’s a potential soundtrack to work their magic. And just when it was all going so right for Eberg the OC did their thing and picked up on his ‘Inside Your Head’ and his fate was sealed. Whether he can recover from this is open to question but his impressive range of cute audio should see him in good stead. And why aren't Andrex banging down his door, puppies (and the OC) are so yesterday. KD

Eberg - Love Your Bum

Watch The Video To Sober in June

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Buy Album: [UK] Voff Voff [US] Voff Voff
Year: 2006

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Despite being ejected from 2 labels since their birth in Jönköping seven years ago the Mary Onettes always knew that persistence would be the key to their survival. Their faith was rewarded when the coolest label on the planet (perhaps) Labrador signed them up. And now as Labrador celebrates 100 releases the Mary Onettes get the No. 87 slot in a quite immaculate collection of songs. The band swears by its influences, there are strong hints of Echo & The Bunnymen and Joy Division while the chorus on ‘Lost’ is indicative of many of the other 3-minute classics floating about the good ship Labrador (the Legends). ‘Lost’ is fabulously retro, decidedly cool and a vital accessory for any mp3 player large or small. KD

The Mary Onettes - Lost

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Buy: The Lost EP
Year: 2006

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Mathew Sawyer may have played drums with the Television Personalities but his voice has been curated at the central altar of twee pop heaven. An acquired taste then you might think? Well, you’d be wrong because when it’s surrounded by dreamy soundscapes as evidenced on his band the Ghosts album ‘Blue Birds Blood’ these particular vocals sound as appropriate as snow on a mountaintop. The album kicks off with ‘Penny Falls’, a simple affair with Maebh Culhane’s cooing being rivalled only by the Velvet Underground like drum snaps and Sawyer's engagingly delivered lines. This sort of song normally finds its true home at the end titles in the quirkiest movie of the year. Lovely doesn’t even begin to describe it. KD

The Ghosts - Penny Falls

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Buy Album: Blue Birds Blood
Year: 2006

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In what is as close as you're going to get to a theme on a Tuesday night, 'Chemicals For Criminals' had me thinking of another anthem that played the big chords and managed to come out the other side with an egg-free face. Taken from Offspring’s 1994 album ‘Smash’ 'Self Esteem' marked a highpoint before they slowly became a tad flyweight. The song demands audience participation and must rank as the most impressive Nirvana doppleganging tune ever recorded. Boisterous and direct ‘Self Esteem’ reaches for the juggler straight from the off, its lyrics and joyful bombast providing the perfect tonic for teen spirit. KD

Offspring - Self Esteem

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Buy Album: [UK] Smash [US] Smash
Year: 1994

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I’m going on a limb here but I can’t help feeling that this band could one day become the biggest band in the world. Outlandish you might say but you haven’t just spent a great deal of your evening falling head over heals in love with an EP called ‘Floor Boards’. Ok, some context. Manic come from LA and have had in the past the self-confidence to knock back the burgeoning Suretone label (they eventually succumbed) because they felt they weren’t ready to give it their all. The EP is epic in nature, conjuring favourable nods to several Grunge giants, Radiohead and the Trail of Dead. The lead track ‘Chemical For Criminals’ is instantly striking with ravagingly memorable riffs and Paul Gross’s vocal swirls. The video that backs it up just builds on the mystique, revealing little but at the same time stoking the imagination. ‘Chemical For Criminals’ has competition for best track with ‘In A Room On Fire’ with its Halloweenesque piano tinkle and psychotic utterances that pleasingly go on to reveal a warm psyche. This will be firing up mosh pits in indie clubs the world over for years to come. KD

Manic - Chemicals For Criminals

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Buy EP: [UK] Floor Boards [US] Floor Boards
Year: 2007

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Pia Fraus take the ‘Loveless’ template, stir it about and come back with what it would have sounded like if they had been My Bloody Valentine. This might sound like a recipe for disaster considering the legendary status of ‘Loveless’ yet Pia Fraus’ knack for a tasteful presentation of the dynamics means much of what they peddle is hugely entertaining. ‘400 & 57’ is taken from their sophomore album ‘In Solarium’ and encapsulates what the Estonians do best; namely soft, almost dreamy, vocals tethering on the brink of extinction due to a mass of fuzzy chords and otherworldly soundbites. They will always have the tribute act accusations thrown in their direction but there is an awful lot to admire in Pia Fraus’ own pool of creativity. KD

Pia Fraus - 400 & 57

Watch The Video Chromatic Nights

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Buy Album: [UK] In Solarium [US] In Solarium
Year: 2002

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It’s kinda of reassuring to note that Ireland has started to expand its portfolio of breaking acts. No longer the preserve of the acoustic warbler or the straight ahead indie rock band there are signs that a vibrant scene is emerging away from traditional sources. Electronica is well served by the Electric Penguins and Schroedersound while 8 Ball and 22 from Limerick are throwing some nice experimental shapes. ‘The Cultural Coupon’ was 22’s debut release flagging a plethora of influences and a refusal to stand still. ‘I’m Glad I’m Not You’ is a warped tune that resolutely avoids cliché while still attaching fine jangling riffs, creeping basslines, fly buzzing organs and a vocal drenched in enough electricity to power a non energy saving lightbulb for a decade (there are some pleasant 'An Cat Dubh' nods too). While 22 seem to be on temporary hiatus one can only surmise that somewhere on this planet they are cooking up a tasty jamboree aimed at opening the eyes of people who think chasing cars is edgy. KD

22 - I'm Glad I'm Not You

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Buy Album: The Cultural Coupon
Year: 2006

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The Late Cord were one of 2006’s little known joys. Sure, Micah P. Hinson was chattered about in hush tones throughout the web but mostly for his solo material. John-Mark Lapham is the other force behind the Late Cord. Lapham has his hands full at the moment with his transatlantic friends the Earlies whose new album ‘The Enemy Chorus’ is destined to be one of the years finest. The Late Cord chose to record their debut EP in a basement bolthole in Abilene, Texas and one wonders whether the setting was partly responsible for producing such an eerie yet startling work. ‘My Most Meaningful Relationships Are With Dead People’ has been featured here before but the highlight of the album is undoubtedly the opening track ‘Lila Blue’ that plays like the most uplifting funeral lament ever written. Goosebumps are inevitable, this is such a precious piece of music it will likely stay with you forever. If on the other hand it fails to move you I’ll get someone to put some flowers on your plot. KD

The Late Cord - Lila Blue

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Buy Album: [UK] Lights from the Wheelhouse [US] Lights from the Wheelhouse
Year: 2006

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Two albums down and Brakes remain a musical spectre scaring wandering ears with their flighty punk infested melodies. ‘Give Blood’ was a huge surprise, full of funny asides and microscopic songs that barely existed long enough to register. Album number two has seen Eamon Hamilton leave his British Sea Power counterparts behind permanently to concentrate on the good ship Brakes. As ever there are also Electric Soft Parade and Tenderfoot parties on hand to dish out gorgeous packages of the scattershot kind. That said ‘The Beatific Visions’ has a softer edge than its predecessor, though the chuckle element remains through Hamilton’s wonderfully realised car crash yelp. They’ve also included a companion piece to ‘You’re So Pretty’ from the first album. This time its ‘Mobile Communication’ that sweeps aside the madcap adventures and plays the sugar coated angle which Brakes have stashed away for future glories. And what a wonderfully realised piece it is, countrified swirls flourish (the album was recorded in ‘Nashville’) while the vocals are delivered so elegantly it’s a wonder they found a chemist with such a large stock of Prozac. A special band. KD

Brakes - Mobile Communication

Watch The Video To All Night Disco Party

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Buy Album: [UK] The Beatific Visions [US] Beatific Visions
Year: 2006

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In pretty much every respect this reminds me of distant thrills. Noises that poked their head out for a bit in the early nineties and then retreated back to a warm burrow never to be seen again. Of late musical history has been replaying itself in new and interesting ways. A Sunny Day In Glasgow is a cute name, a knowing wink if hardly based on meteorological fact. To add to the confusion they come from the town that housed Rocky, not that you could imagine the cheaply tracksuited one climbing those steps with the sound of ‘Watery...’ ringing in his ears. This song is so evidently a case of dreampop returning to our senses and it is a magical feeling. The words are shipwrecked, the beat is lopsided and our cheeks are aglow with delight. The somewhat convolutedly (yet entirely appropriate) titled debut from A Sunny Day In Glasgow ‘Scribble Mural Comic Journal’ is released the day before Valentines. It might steal your heart so hold back a card. KD

A Sunny Day In Glasgow - Watery (Drowning is Just Another Word for Being Buried Alive Under Water

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Buy Album: Scribble Mural Comic Journal
Year: 2007

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How about a slice of jangle pop after a day toiling away at the keyboard? Providing said piece of aural velvet is Belgium’s Showstar who recently released their second long player ‘.’ and in the process overhauled Sigur Ros as the holder of the most vague album title ever. ‘Dan’ chimes so sweetly it’s not surprising that French label Le Grandbag has snapped them up. The same label has their grateful mitts on underground sensations the Willow’s and dance duo Ye-Ye who have themselves wooed Sice (The Boo Radley’s) to voice their magical ‘Supa Vixen’ tune. A splendiferous riff propels ‘Dan’ yet it also boasts a not too shabby chorus. Let’s hope they’ll soon be having the Deus of their lives. ‘.’ is released on February 19th through Le Grandbag. KD

Showstar - Dan

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Buy Album: Dot
Year: 2006

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The Bent Pen Project is signed to a Swedish label called Melodrama. So is Diktendo (the games people play, eh), another solo project with one Magnus Wahlström at the helm. Diktendo is only a side project for Magnus as the band Citylights is his day job. This situation could change quite rapidly if the twee pop delights of Diktendo were to catch on the way they deserve to. This is the original of the species, a certainty to be rostered beside the Field Mice were it the early nineties when Sarah Records flourished like giant daisy’s in the warm summer air. ‘The Tune I Call November’ is instantly ear grabbing, softly lilting with gently tugged jangling chords and Wahlström’s fey vocals. It is featured on Diktendo’s current release the ‘Sweet and Tender, As We Are’ EP. You’ll go a long way to find an EP so appropriately titled. KD

Diktendo - The Tune I Call November

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy EP: Sweet and Tender, As We Are
Year: 2006

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