Oh the thrill of hearing something fresh, hot off the press and just before the masses congregate at its door. Who knows, success might never taint Jack Budd but until then he’ll tinker with miscellaneous music making devices in the comfort of his boudoir. His tinkering has already yielded an album called ‘Color Engine’ from which ‘We Don’t Operate’ is taken. This is splendidly inventive, full of quirky subplots and about as sensible as a drunkard on a tightrope. Yes it ends much too early and yes the lyrics never truly illuminate your thirst for a good story but it still pisses on most of the competition. KD

Battle Flags - We Don't Operate

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Battle Flags
Year: 2010

This is especially for those who find the Knife too oblique for daytime consumption. And they come from Sweden too where band profiles are rare and in any case would rob an act of all mystery. So with that knowledge, or lack thereof, we push forward and analyse the music in its own right. Like most electro based nodules ‘Go Back To Your Cave’ is indebted to former glories, in this case a sweaty night down your local hard trance emporium. Not that it retains that disposability but the working parts suggest Love Is A Burning Thing like nothing better than wave their hands in the air, that is when they are not required for digitised bleep duty. This is mildly euphoric and would have proved an inspired futuristic vision had it appeared on a Visage LP all those years ago. So it glows. KD

Love Is A Burning Thing - Go Back To Your Cave

More Info: Myspace
Buy Songs: Love Is A Burning Thing
Year: 2010

Until about a fortnight ago I was unaware of any covers of songs from the best album of all time. Then suddenly there were two rather good ones (and one really bad one which I can’t even bring myself to talk about, ‘Waterfall’ does not deserve the ignominy). These both have their weaknesses but must be applauded for not sounding completely plonk when compared to the original. Codeine Velvet Club’s version of ‘I Am The Resurrection’ is fab, that is until it loses much of the goodwill trying to approximate Squire’s finest hour with what amounts to a listless faux jazz workout. Lana Mir’s ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ fairs better in the consistency stakes even if it lacks a particularly nuanced stream of independent thinking. It is cute though and it's always rather nice to hear something so kernel to ones musical upbringing in a coat of fresh paint. KD

Codeine Velvet Club - I Am The Resurrection

Lana Mir - I Wanna Be Adored

More Info: Codeine Velvet Club & Lana Mir

Despite the bastards almost driving me into the arms of tinnitus after one the loudest gigs I’ve ever attended I still worship the ground that Mogwai’s early albums traverse. Early albums I say because recently their output has been particularly pants (at least until you travel back to the greatness that was ‘Happy Songs For Happy People’). Their zenith appeared much earlier, it was in fact an odds and ends compilation which passed under the title ‘Ten Rapid’. Now this was music with balls, brutal, honest, melodic and at times downright spiritual. None more so than ‘New Paths To Helicon Pt I’, an 8 minute opus that the band have yet to surpass. This is music that becomes a living thing, something to embrace as if it were a lovely relative. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that it is also one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded. Yep, I'm really happy Friday has arrived. KD

Mogwai - New Paths To Helicon Pt I

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Mogwai
Year: 1996

‘High Places vs. Mankind’ is Mary Pearson and Rob Barber’s second proper album as High Places. The duo boast a tropical sound, proposing suitable vignettes for that long summer holiday. ‘On Giving Up’ marks a slight shift in sound, affording a greater focus on the central theme rather than wrapping it under multiple layers of electronica. And it really is a winner; the riff is instantly memorable which leaves Pearson with the handy task of adding her trademark wispy vocals. High Places go about their business quietly and are making the slow transition towards greatness. Going places more like. KD

High Places - On Giving Up

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: High Places
Year: 2010

While I am a bit suss about the unflagging reverence bestowed upon this Northern act I’ve got to admit that they do have their moments. And ‘The Voiceless’ is certainly one of them; despite unashamedly playing the Explosions In The Sky card it has all the hallmarks of a post-rock classic. The guitars are chimed to within an inch of their life and the percussion is utterly sublime throughout. So much so that its 6 and a half minutes pass by in a blink. The best thing though is that there is no moment where the guitars instantly turn into supercarrier turnbines and inflict tinnitus on previously well turned out audio receptors. A colossus then, on this form we could soon be genuflecting at their altar. KD

And So I Watch You From Afar - The Voiceless

More Info: Myspace
Buy Songs: And So I Watch You From Afar
Year: 2009

You’ll notice how I’ve left out the the and how this is definitely not a pair of curmudgeons from the west of Ireland. Walls is in fact the Banjo or Freakout and Allez Allez separatists working as one. This is their only piece of originality so far but its shoegaze through a digital prism certainly has us gasping for more. This would need a room full of choking fog, a pair of shining miner’s hats and several hundred adoring onlookers to achieve its intended goals. For the moment though we’ll make do with the impression it creates on lonesome earphones. This batters like a force nine gale but while injury is unlikely it might just knock the stuffing out of you. KD

Walls - Burnt Sienna

More Info: Official
Year: 2009

In what may prove a shock to those sold on Paul Archer’s quiet classic’s ‘Burning Codes 2’ highlights the Belfast man’s new tendency to freewheel. The volume has risen and a new vibrancy emerges, none more so than on the opening track ‘Speaking In Code’. This is Burning Codes playing it at breakneck speed, including a volley of tunesome chords that never let up with Archer’s vocals proving a fine riposte. The track vividly portrays a deep imagination borne out of the simplest of sounds. Elsewhere you’ll find the Burning Codes of old, all contemplative and imaginatively constructed. ‘Burning Codes 2’ deserves as much love as the love that can be found within the contours of its 11 beautiful tracks. It is available on Indiecater from today for the princely sum of €4. KD

Burning Codes - Speaking In Code

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Burning Codes
Year: 2010

Most balanced Pavement fans will probably miss the connection but I listen to ‘New Designs’ and all I hear is ‘Unfair’. Probably a bit silly anyway to compare any band to Malkmus and Co. because there can only be one loser. That said I am spending much of this evening gorging on a host of free tracks given away by the Madison act and it is providing muchos pleasure. ‘The Mighty Lunge’, their 3rd album, was released late last year and ‘New Designs’ is probably its most incandescent member. The chords are so throat grabbing you might initially choke at their bludgeoning velvet hammer directness, thankfully they are sweetly turned out and act as a perfect foil for the vocals that spill from Ricky Reimer’s mouth. Towards the end the jigsaw finally falls into place and I get lost in the foothills of my pride. KD

His & Her Vanities - New Designs

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: His & Her Vanities
Year: 2009

Ah so cute and mildly surprising that they’ve sprung from Camden. Imagine they’d have been beaten up back when Britpop was at full throttle but then they could have just as easily hung out with Blur. This is the opening track from My Sad Captains debut and sounds like a cross between Luna and Apples In Stereo. Ultimately though it should easily assumes staple status on the most pristine indie pop jukebox known to geek. Warm melodies abound, we all clap in unison at the chorus and reach for the soft spectacle cloth when we fog up rendering even timid hip shaking manoeuvres deathtrap like potentiality. KD

My Sad Captains - Great Expectations

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: My Sad Captains
Year: 2009

Ah the big bowl of shamrock arrives and I’m slightly relieved because after a week of local acts I think the well may be well and truly dry. To finish on an imperious high here is a track from In Motion’s ‘The Language of Everyday Life’. This is in our top 3 Irish albums of all time so you can imagine the goosebumps when we got to re-release in on Indiecater just last year after a decade long slumber. This is a piece of work that never fails to bring out my tearful side because it is at once so sad yet utterly redemptive. I've had this track as my ringtone since I first got a mobile that could handle such things. Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig. KD

In Motion - Until My Dreams Come True

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: In Motion
Year: 1994 & 2009

Oh how totally abstract, some Irish music for an alternative Paddy’s eve. Nope, there’s not a fiddle in sight and for much of ‘Honest’ Foamboy mainman Geoff Topley sounds like he’s up to his neck in binary theorems masquerading as alien abductors. Topley is based in Portadown and spends his time flitting between about half a dozen musical projects that are unlikely to ever trouble the charts. That said his Foamboy Deluxe Arkestra peddles fine tunes which are almost to a man partially hidden in a salmagundi of ethereal backdrops. KD

The Foamboy Deluxe Arkestra - Honestly

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Foamboy Deluxe Arkestra
Year: 2008

I’d imagine they couldn’t care less what I think given that we’re not talking anymore but from this chair 8ball remain one of our brightest lights especially when they wallow in sweet electronica. ‘The Big Blue’, ‘The Whoop Whoop Song’ and ‘Fear I’m Falling’ came out prior to their largely disappointing second venture of last year but the evidence points to beings of higher sonic capability. The latter presents vocals as superficial asides with clouds of wispy melodies dispersing and reforming in increasingly elegant patterns. It could almost be Death In Vegas circa their most successful album ‘The Contino Sessions’. KD

8ball - Fear I'm Falling

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: 8ball
Year: 2005

Bangor, population 50,000, sporting not one but 2 of the coolest new bands on the island. Everyone is getting to know Two Door Cinema Club but Kowalski should be running them close soon. This is as good as I’ve heard from the 4-piece; it’s taken from a 2008 compilation called the Oh Yeah Sessions, a lo-fi jangle pop affair that’ll appeal to Sarah Records aficionados. It’s pretty delightful, from the xylophone to the boy/girl vocal interactions. The band are about to release their second EP so here’s hoping something good will work out for them. KD

Kowalski - Phil Kansas

More Info: Official
Year: 2008

He’s back but travels incognito until the time is right to take off the dark shades. What went before promised much but then what is emerging could be even better. Sacred Animals discography consists of 3 demo songs (a 4th is in the offing) which can be consumed for free over here. ‘Chosen Seed’ is the pick of the bunch, a gentle piece of melancholy that belongs at the table from which the angels dine. Bolstered by a small orchestra this could be epic in its sweep. The seas may yet realign. KD

Sacred Animals - Chosen Seed

More Info: Official & Myspace
Year: 2010

Orbital remain the benchmark for thoughtful bleepages down our way. They were purveyors of albums with songs that only truly came alive in the context of their siblings. And that very thought struck me as I sat through Hunter-Gatherer’s debut long player ‘I Dreamed I Was A Footstep In The Trail Of A Murderer’. To look at it one way this could just be a collection of indistinct ambient asides but a bit of careful nurturing reveals a cerebral artist reinventing snivilisation. And the rewards are worth hanging in there for because although they never sound calculated the ideas always seem to add up. I keep returning to ‘Left For Dead’ because it was the one that initially intrigued. The kernel of the tune sports a recurring melody that softly gnaws until you relent, after which it never fails to outlast its welcome. Hunter-Gatherer is at present writing the Serbian entry for our World Cup compilation. KD

Hunter-Gatherer - Left For Dead

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Hunter-Gatherer
Year: 2009

Organising anything in this country is generally a recipe for thanklessness. Once you get past the begrudgers and naysayers you’ve got to deal with a whole heap of apathy. I’ve limited experience of the subject but my toes are unlikely to dip into said murky waters until I at least grow some balls. So I have genuine respect for the folks behind the Choice Music Awards. What it lacks in a clear mission statement it more than makes up in pushing a clutch of near unknowns towards that fabled spotlight. And the award has certainly stepped up to the plate the last 2 years as Jape and this year’s winner Adrian Crowley were deserving winners. The 10 grand prize money should keep the latter in fisherman caps for the foreseeable future but if ever a singer deserved some recognition it is he. Despite a string of wonderful albums Crowley’s profile at home is virtually non-existent and this in a country that affords legendary status to a never-ending list of workaday troubadours. The Barna man has a cushion soft vocal delivery and the atmospheric musicianship makes a combination that can often be heartbreaking. ‘Season of The Sparks’ may not be his best work but it supplies all the necessary Crowley moments to ensure you’ll delve further. Here’s ‘The Wishing Seat’, cheer up now. KD

Adrian Crowley - The Wishing Seat

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Adrian Crowley
Year: 2009

This has the be the best vocal via a metro loudspeaker since that sweetie decided it was a good idea on ‘Fade To Grey’. It's taken from Galway’s Low Sea’s debut LP ‘Las Olas’, an album that has already been feted by those Sound Team slayers. We've been on the duo's case for a while now so ‘Alex’ comes as a major twist in what we thought they were about. Low Sea normally frontload their tunes with shoegazing chords but this one goes a lot more in the direction of the Paris Angels (remember their perfumed numbers?). The effect establishes a lighter tone but an altogether more fluid dreamscape that should broaden the band's appeal. With the risk of being labelled a toasted heretic I now declare Low Sea the West’s most treasured bullion. KD

Low Sea - Alex

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Low Sea
Year: 2010

Threadbare it might be but when did that ever stand in the way of control. It really clicked as I went about my daily afternoon jaunt and the acrobatic bass and coordinated yelps perfectly synchronised with a roadside jackhammer. It always strikes me as odd when such sonic marriages occur but for ‘Asylum’ it also led to some major fog clearance. The kinetic energy within Belfast act Not Squares is apparent, a sort of freewheeling attack on the senses where the individual parts are pushed to the limits of their capability. No gloss is required and for that we should be thankful. Top marks so, but please lads lots more cowbell next time round.KD

Not Squares - Asylum

More Info: Myspace
Buy Songs: Not Squares
Year: 2010

Sports a singular vision this one and reaches the promised land with consummate ease. First the associated factoids, Yeti Lane is in fact Cyann & Ben in disguise and Team Ghost who provides the decorative extras is Nicolas Fromageau (once of M83). Now that you’ve got the coordinates out of the way we can all sit back and admire this Stereolabtastic couple of minutes (em, they are all French too which makes it even more credible). Repetitive fuzzed up belters always go down well at hugger manor and the risks attaching to such a wall of sound at 10 on the volumeter is more than balanced by our wide grubby grins. Yep, wiggling was made for 4 minutes like this. KD

Yeti Lane - Twice (Team Ghost Mix)

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Yeti Lane
Year: 2010

Just heard the very sad news that Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse has passed away. Such a major loss, he was an undoubted genius. ‘Hammering The Cramps’ is one of my all time favs but I can’t think of anything more beautiful than this track to honour him this evening. KD

Sparklehorse - Some Sweet Day

She Sir were just made for me, they create that early 90’s sound through a finely tuned dreampop/shoegaze lens. It kinda makes me sad when I listen to them even if I am also truly elated (funny isn’t it, happens with all my favourite bands, the way Grandaddy used to do). Their second LP (and it truly is this time as it is available on vinyl) came out last month and the half I’ve heard is a touchstone for long lost floppy fringes. ‘Golden Ways’ is the one that cuts the deepest with vocals that are lyrically out of reach and MBV guitars rarely troubling the fog of noise that surround them. Yep, I’m in love and not even my wife or young baby will distract me from this beauty. KD

She Sir - Golden Ways

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: She Sir
Year: 2010

Where once stood Sunbear there then crouched the Ruby Tailights. The worrying word on the streets of Dublin are that the latter have ceased to exist. Would seem a thorough shame given the tunes that they have cooped up on their hard drives (with ‘High & Low’ being a prime example). They’ll probably hate me for making this public but this is just an attempt from a fan to get it in their thick skulls that a world without them is far less tempting. ‘High & Low’ is quite obviously still in a state of demo undress but boy is it appealing. It takes a real talent to cast such a melodic shadow and the Rubies still have it spades years after they were lauded from a stage by none other than Mr Sonic Youth. I can see a facebook group being formed as I write this, or at the very least a virtual punch from Martin. KD

The Ruby Tailights - High & Low

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Ruby Tailights
Year: 2010

Emily Jane White, where have you been all my life? That's what I pondered as this epic hushfest reached its conclusion in the most dramatic of ways. These days it takes something really special to whip me into repeat play frenzy but ‘Liza’ affords so much scope for pleasure it's easy to become dependant on its charms. And for all that it takes a little while for the gem to warm, initially the meloncholic vocals while lovely do nothing but caress. As the seconds tick by however the song starts to colour so vibrantly it may just steal your breath away. ‘Liza’ is taken from Ms. White’s forthcoming release ‘Victorian America’ and I for one am feverishly awaiting its arrival. KD

Emily Jane White - Liza

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Emily Jane White
Year: 2010

You know what you are going to get with Electric President duo Ben Cooper and Alex Kane. That being universally heartfelt, well constructed, electro founded indie pop music. Cooper also hosts a sideshow called Radical Face, which in itself elicits giant grins within my household. But for today we’re back to the day job and more specifically Jacksonville’s finest LP so far this year. It’s called ‘The Violent Blue’ and despite the title is as soft as an administrators grip. ‘Safe and Sound’ even goes so far as positioning itself as a clap happy friends around a campfire jamboree (even if the lyrics are altogether less wholesome). We need more songs of its ilk to banish this winter of discontents icy grip. KD

Electric President - Safe And Sound

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Electric President
Year: 2010