The Village Ten Collective has already been responsible for Adam & Darcie so it should come as no surprise that their friends Canoe are about to charm us. Their new album ‘The Ship…’ is due in June and the soft melodic flourishes that characterise it should appeal to all but the most affected by the climbing pollen count. ‘Three Birds’ is a definite highpoint that leans towards Findlay Browne, or more specifically when he really nailed it on ‘Come Home’. If anything ‘Three Birds’ is even more lavish and durable, a featherdown audio pillow so warmly produced it should be instantly installed on the junior infant curriculum. Yep, it definitely floats my boat. KD

Canoe - Three Birds

More Info: Official & Facebook
Buy Songs: Canoe
Year: 2010

Despite the leverage accorded by their paymasters Sub Pop this frisky delight has all the production sheen of used sandpaper. Perhaps that was what they were aiming for and anyway it matters not a jot given the incandescence on show. Dum Dum Girls are just one of several bands with Girls in their name, all very confusing for someone just getting used to all those partial to Wolf and Crystal. DDG’s sound like all the best girl groups shorn of Spector and with pitchforks for guitar playing hands. Of course it’s worth shredding your ears because just before the 50 second mark up pops one of the best choruses of the year. By the middle of the third minute it’s all over and you’ll likely be scurrying around the wires in a frantic search for the LP it is taken from (‘I Will Be’). Clever girls. KD

Dum Dum Girls - Jail La La

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Dum Dum Girls
Year: 2010

Sea of Bees - Willis

More Info: Sea of Bees

I’ve broken rank before the voting section and let Mrs Hugger soak up the atmospherics of the Romanian entry all on her own. With so much eurotunnel schlock being showcased my ears needed an audio holiday and Meursault stepped into the breach with this James Yorkstonesque jewel. It’s taken from their second album ‘All Creatures Will Make Merry’ (released on good old Song, By Toad Records, a label/blog we’ve become increasingly jealous of) and marks an about turn for the Edinburgh collective (all fashioned out with new band members and unexpected but welcome digital alliances). If anything Meursault v2 is more appealing than their first incarnation, the songs sound more robust and affecting. ‘Sleet’ barely registers on the richer scale but should nonetheless move you. KD

Meursault - Sleet

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Meursault
Year: 2010

It’s been 3 long years (to the day!) since Coltrane Motion last appeared on this blog and I must say I’ve missed ‘em as there is something urgent and indispensable coursing through their efforts. I'm sold even more now that ‘I Forgot There Was A War On’ (from their new album ‘Hello Ambition’, out June 1) has been rattling inside my frame for the last few hours. Perhaps it’s the way the music performs circus tricks or the way the vocals seem almost stoner in comparison but stuff like this gets me excited about the future of music. Perhaps we could hook them up with Not Squares and witness the asylum as the sun goes down. KD

Coltrane Motion - I Forgot There Was A War On

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Coletrane Motion
Year: 2010

So Kele has struck out on his own, ‘fraid I’m past caring at this stage owing to a string of unpalatable Bloc Party releases. And this after ‘Silent Alarm’ slowly reeled me in, the jerky histrionics initially irritated but ‘So Here We Are’ had me in such floods (made it onto our wedding video - sandwiched between ‘Your Hand In Mine’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’) there was only going to be one winner. A quick retrospection revealed an album of depth, bright ideas that delved in the past but was frontloaded with modern day insecurities and bright hooks. 2005 was the last great year for albums that I can remember but ‘Silent Alarm’ flew close to the summit. ‘Banquet’, ‘Blue Light’, ‘So Here We Are’, ‘Helicopter’ and ‘This Modern Love’ sound positively classic now, their incandescence neither dulled nor diminished with the passing of half a decade. This is a Messi hat-trick set to music, maybe I’ll give Kele a chance after all. KD

Bloc Party - So Here We Are

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Bloc Party
Year: 2005

The closest thing I can come up with at short notice to bracket A Lull is Allá who by a strange quirk of fate also come from Chicago. Funny that but maybe this sort of experimental percussive/cut and paste vocal delivery is fast becoming a scene in her windiness. Regardless A Lull’s ‘Weapons For War’ is mightily impressive, even more so when you find out that it can also be played on ye olde vinyl single. And there’s more in the pipeline, in the shape of a long awaited debut album ‘Confetti’. Not exactly a song for Sunday evenings but then it is still 20c outside, a golden sun is setting and with next door away the stacks are getting a dramatic workout. KD

A Lull - Weapons For War

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: A Lull
Year: 2010

I read the comparisons to Bon Iver and somehow resisted the urge to jump headfirst into the nearest lake (I can’t swim). Thankfully what transpired was altogether more appetising (I am working off a stretched 2 song base mind you) and in the case of ‘Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree’ a sumptuous affair. James Vincent McMorrow is a virtual unknown in his hometown of Dublin, much less outside of it but I suspect that’ll all change by year’s end. This song from his self-released debut ‘Early In The Morning’ is the sound of desolate beauty, sparse but ultimately a deeply warm and engaging listen. It may just stop you in your tracks (surely Irish Rail have a ready made anthem?) and have you thanking god that quiet classics like this are still being produced. KD

James Vincent McMorrow - Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree

More Info: Official: & Myspace
Buy Songs: James Vincent McMorrow
Year: 2010

Yeah I know, it’s a slightly speedier take on the piano riff from Grizzly Bear’s ‘Two Weeks’ but she sure is a pretty thing eh? Ooh ooh ooh-ooh I chimed to myself as a finger hovered over the delete button. And just as I was about to mouth a sigh accompanying ‘how could they?’ things took a turn for the better. For Brighton’s Gloria Cycles ushered in Jen Dalby and her indie girl vocals, the instrumentation for its part slipped into a cosy comfortable meander. In the end it turned out quite sweet, a softer Standard Fare and perhaps another sign that English acts are at last beginning to make a bit of headway again. KD

Gloria Cycles - Diplomatic Dining Cycles

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Gloria Cycles
Year: 2010

This song initially works best in the context of the video that accompanies it (link below). It marks a remarkable jump forward by Dubliner Conor Furlong, his earnest indie pop was always easy on the ear but ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ is downright moving. As you'd expect for a bedroom project the production is a bit rough around the edges (those Mike Oldfield guitars) but you’ll hardly notice given the soaring chorus, it’s already perched high on my list for songs of the year. ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ is taken from Furlong’s second album ‘Playing With Fire’, something I hope contains other precious nuggets like this. Without being funny this is a true thoroughbred. KD

Conor Furlong - Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Conor Furlong
Year: 2010

I'm increasingly reticent to listen to certain bands and I've put this down to the chilling effect that the suits within the industry are having. Despite the fact that it's generally 100% promo that fills my ears I can't escape wondering whether something sinister is looking up my last.fm stats and questioning how several Villagers tracks have appeared there when 'Becoming A Jackal's official launch is still weeks away. This morning as I read a review of the new Band of Horses album on the Guardian website I was taken in by their assertion that parts of it instil a head rush akin to that managed by the Stone Roses debut. Being of that vintage and liking BOH's previous albums I was immediately intrigued. A cherishable experience awaited but then I copped BOH's major label status so the vast array of potholes on that particular road makes it one I'd prefer not to traverse. Much of this apprehension is daft I know but something in the back of my head (and increasingly in the pit of my stomach) is driving my musical adventures away from unknown pleasures. Those transmissions from IMRO haven't helped of course but if listening to new music becomes the crime we are been told it is then I can't help feeling something wonderful will be lost. That said I couldn't give a fuck for any of that shite once I've got my Van Allen Belt. KD

The Van Allen Belt - I Can't Believe You Murdered Me

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Van Allen Belt
Year: 2009

Yeah it was the album with the best short funny songs ever. ‘Give Blood’ was also the first and last great record from Brakes (can’t accept that stuttered name they gave themselves in order to conquer new territories) as it spun itself into a tizzy over 16 songs of unbridled madness. ‘You’re So Pretty’ was the undeniable classic of the bunch (so beautiful, kinda ‘Gold Soundz’ in its application) but ‘All Nite Disco Party’ had the feel of a cult indie favourite in waiting. It was backed up by a clever video too so its absence from Friday night playlists is all the more surprising. Given the band’s subsequent deceleration (thankfully the day jobs are more than fulfilling) that’s probably unlikely to change any time soon. KD

Brakes - All Nite Disco Party

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Brakes
Year: 2005

Having broken my no-hangover-sundays-from-now-on rule there is little in the way of energy to be mustered from inside the cavity that is my cranium. So while I prepare for a night of twisty turning, performed in pools of haemorrhaging sweat that shimmer in the backdrop of nightmares which involve hugger in all manner of atrocities I leave you with this monster piece of ambience courtesy of Italy’s Port-Royal. There’s a movie soundtrack somewhere just waiting for this to add the necessary gravitas. Talk to you circa 3:38am. KD

Port-Royal - Leitmotiv/Glasnost

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Port-Royal
Year: 2008

All the adulation bestowed upon Villagers rings a bit hollow to me. Fair dues to Conor O’Brien for landing that deal and he is undoubtedly a talented lad but ‘Becoming A Jackal’ just feels like a long snooze, offering little in the way of differentiation. He’ll do something much better down the line but for the moment I’ll avert my gaze. Much less sophisticated but altogether more digestible is the new EP from Bangor act Kowalski. The hits are immediate on ‘Take Care, Take Flight’ but it’s hard not to fall for their easy melodies and jangly chords. ‘Letters From The Height Of Summer (Dear Bird)’ is just adorable, clean shaven and knocking on your door with fresh daffodils. Pretty sure you’ll be inviting them in. KD

Kowalski - Letters From The Height Of Summer (Dear Bird)

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Kowalski
Year: 2010

So School of Seven Bells make a return and to these ears at least they continue to pickpocket from the ye olde sound of Stereolab (with a dash of Cocteau thrown in for good measure). Circa ‘Mars Audiac Quintet’ if memory serves me correctly, or stated in laymen terms about the time that Franco-Anglo act were utterly swoonsome. School of Seven Bells are headed that way and are abetted by the fact that the vocals are provided by 2 sirens. Hard to listen while making that disconnect from desire (!) but even with the aesthetics removed ‘Babelonia’ makes for a virile couple of minutes. The aforementioned sophomore is out in mid July. KD

School of Seven Bells - Babelonia

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: School of Seven Bells
Year: 2010

Sound Team’s greatest achievement was undoubtedly their ‘Work’ EP. A couple of years of bright invention like that should have seen them ride into the sunset. As it turned out that’s exactly what happened and Bill and company are probably much happier with that ongoing conclusion. The Rollercoaster Project remind me of Sound Team except that in this case it is a band of one, consisting of Johnny White from Sheffield. ‘What Happened’ is a track from his debut album and I was immediately, and quite curiously it must be said, drawn back to ‘It’s Obvious What’s Happening Here’. The experimental shenanigans mean that the song starts out ambitiously and then retreats into swirly experimentation before somewhat losing the plot in a deluge of synthesia. Entralling stuff. KD

The Rollercoaster Project - What Happened

More Info: Myspace
Buy Songs: The Rollercoaster Project
Year: 2009

This is such a loose canon, an individual in a sea of replicants, something to treasure before manufactured pop kills us all. And for all its eccentricities I can’t help feeling it was put together by someone in control of his vision as opposed to a ramshackle that made its way into the studio one lazy sunny afternoon. The vision provider is one Alex Ebert, an unloved addict with a penchant for school going vehicles. ‘Home’ was a success down under and there’s no reason to suggest it couldn’t be the same up over. The Zero Magnetics play like a less rigid Polyphonic Spree and I’m sure for most of the time playing in the band is a complete blast. From a certain angle Ebert even looks like Jesus, I’m sure the band's followers already think he’s a God. KD

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Year: 2010

Day 2 of our ‘Fast Forward’ preview and this time the tune has Irish origins. Funny that too when you consider that we won’t even be competing but when did the Irish ever turn down a great party? We’ve been partial to the determinedly quirky Grand Pocket Orchestra for a couple of years now so it was such a delight when they said they would take on Nigeria as part of our World Cup compilation. And this while they were beavering away on their debut album at the same time. The results proved to an absolute delight, a carnival of exotic noises, marching band eccentricities and a vocal input that provides a central point to the madness going on all around. ‘Nigeria’ is one of 32 on ‘Fast Forward’ which is available for a fiver from the Indiecater site. Go Super Eagles. Pic above courtesy of Loreana Rushe. KD

Grand Pocket Orchestra - Nigeria

More Info: Football Comp & Grand Pocket Orchestra
Buy Songs: Fast Forward
Year: 2010

Well, you are going to have bear with me for the next couple of days as I endlessly plug the newest Indiecater release. The reason is two fold owing to its football themed matter and the fact that it contains many of the bands that make our world go round. We’ve called it ‘Fast Forward’ because it contains a corresponding entry for every country that is going to be playing in the World Cup in South Africa next month. We’ve cleared the decks and bought in the beer so that our daily feast of super football can be thoroughly enjoyed well into July. What we thought was missing was some tunes to colour the occasion so now there are 32 of them to be had on ‘Fast Forward’. And all it costs is the price of a rubbish football or 5 euro for those who don’t know how much such things cost. To get you in the mood here is a mandolin infused ditty from Italian popsters Le Man Avec Les Lunettes, it's so sweet. ‘Fast Forward’ is streaming in full on the Indiecater site so that even the poor, the tight-fisted and those put upon illegal downloaders can appreciate it. KD

Le Man Avec Les Lunettes - Don't Get Fooled By the Football Players' Summery Outfit

More Info: Football Comp & Le Man Avec Les Lunettes
Buy Songs: Fast Forward
Year: 2010

Can’t remember if it was Morrissey or Noel Gallagher (or someone similar with a poor track record in spotting new talent) who said that the Boxer Rebellion would be ones to watch. This generally reads that they are to be avoided like the plague but perhaps on the evidence of this song there is something special going on. And even then things start out so generic to the point of blandness, the song doesn’t reach old skool Radiohead neck hairs on end until well into its second minute. By then however, anything goes and ‘Flashing Red Light Means Go’ reaches for the jugular. Must have made quite the opening on the band’s second LP ‘Union’ and I shall for one shall keep my ears pricked for the follow-up which the London act are currently in the process of recording. So very special. KD

The Boxer Rebellion - Flashing Red Light Means Go

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Boxer Rebellion
Year: 2009

Of course it would need to be a world stops spinning type masterpiece to eclipse the original but Rozi Plain almost achieves the impossible. On this occasion ‘The Lang Toun’ might be decidedly shorter but the wide-eyed nature of Plain’s reworking is bright and skittish. No wonder our very own Maeve Higgins has used it to great effect in her new cooking programme. Could she do for food what Tommy Cooper did for magic? I hope so because she really is a gas (hob). Rozi Plain released her debut ‘Inside Over Here’ on Fence Records (the Yorkston connection) and works on a ferry by day which must make for lots of happy tea breaks on board. KD

Rozi Plain - The Lang Toun

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Rozi Plain
Year: 2008

Last year for SXSW I was able to do 5 days worth of song compendiums taken from the humongous mp3 torrents featuring the majority of the performing bands at the showcase. Volume 2 included ‘Solid Gold’ from the NY based duo the Golden Filter. This year with a nipper biting at my ankles nowhere near the same amount of attention could be afforded to the mighty mountain of newness. Slowly though the chaff is being ejected and wouldn’t you know it only this evening I happened upon this beaut, which again appeared from the loins of Stephen Hindman and Penelope Trappes. It is taken from their brand new LP ‘Voluspa’ and is resplendent in the Saint Etienne sound of yore, which we are old enough to remember, and get dewy eyed about (but maybe that’s just the new spectacles). The Golden Filter appear to be a class act that effortlessly reimagine past glories without ever sounding in the least bit unoriginal. In other words they sound really nice. KD

The Golden Filter - Hide Me

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Golden Filter
Year: 2010

We had this Florida duo on here before and we still know very little about them apart from the fact that every time we hear them we sit up. They specialise in a woozy style of out of focus electronica, the sort that could reveal very little behind the smokescreen. Of course, and we’re putting our money on this assumption, they could quite easily be the future of music. For now we’ll dewax and listen intently for all the interesting bits to be found strewn around ‘Jimmy Dove’, a single that appeared in January. Blind Man’s Colour have already denounced US style misspellings and as such are waiting for Europe to return the gesture with a millionish sales. KD

Blind Man's Colour - Jimmy Dove

 More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Blind Man's Colour
Year: 2010

A charity record with a difference, for one Buffet Libre’s ‘Peace’ compilation is a download only affair, secondly it comes with a not insubstantial tracklisting of 180 songs. Amazing and given some of the names – Mogwai, Malajube, the Antlers, the Spinto Band and Dan Deacon – it should be an essential purchase (from as little as 5 euro, Amnesty is the recipient charity). The song that has been doing the rounds the most on my player has been this one from Denmark’s Cartridge. The thing that struck me about ‘Black Roads’ was how close it sounded to an old JJ72 song in places, that was the sweetener and pretty soon I loved the rest of it. That’s because it achieves that perfect balance between indie anthem and electro hip swayer. Plenty of oxegen in this one then making it a paper cut above the rest. KD

Cartridge - Black Roads

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Peace: The Compilation
Year: 2010

It may come from an album called ‘Mellow Funk’ but that’s one description that won’t sit easy with Milan Jay’s ‘Avenue’. Quite simply it is a tour de force comprising Daft Punk remixing Jean Michel Jarre as they both find themselves down in Gaillimh on a wet and windy Saturday. Thankfully there’s no sign of the dreaded vocoder but Milan does call Galway home so that summation is only a partial untruth. ‘Mellow Funk’ is being given away for free on bandcamp and it is an enjoyable trip inside the insides of a korg. ‘Avenue’ is by far the nuttiest composition and all the better for it, its got legs and it sure knows how to use them. Now if Milan could only hook up with Low Sea and Nouveau Noise there’d be a very special night on the cards down shop street. Galway abu! KD

Milan Jay - Avenue

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Milan Jay
Year: 2009