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)

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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

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Year: 2010

Inu are a collective taken from disparate parts of the music industry. They sport impressive CV’s but it reads a bit hifalutin to me. The positive is how good the music they make is, polished no doubt but with a notable allure. ‘Captured’ was the final track on their debut EP ‘Monsters’ from late last year and makes like the best closing numbers in its epic reach. In fact I’m sure someday soon a thousand eastern factories will be going 24-hours to manufacture the cigarette lighters required for the bands world tour to push their upcoming LP. These dogs are cute in more ways than one. KD

Inu - Captured

More Info: Official & Myspace
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Year: 2009

Maybe it’s because I’m stuck in this internet vortex but I can’t for the life of me remember a time like now when so few good English bands were generating a lasting impression. So when I happen upon a notable group from that neck of the woods it is a lovely reminder of the halcyon days when we looked left rather than right for our kicks. Leeds’ Downtime are signed to the Ian Brown dissed Squirrel Records and released a short indie pop album sometime last year. It was blessed with precious nuggets at every turn, none more so than ‘Lessons’ with its slightly fuzzed but utterly dreamy outlook. The album ‘Knowing Too Much’ proves that there’s life in the old bulldog yet. KD

Downdime - Lessons

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Buy Songs: Downdime
Year: 2009

Enter the underground seam that has been tunnelled so expertly by the Ambience Affair. A space so vivid in its use of space, acoustics and imagination but one where the prevailing sense is of love's scorn. The feeling that things should have been so perfect but somehow ended up less so. It's hard to imagine how any of us mere mortals could etch the sonic for such a drama but in the hands of Jamie and Marc it becomes effortless. 'Lost At The Start' is the most startling track from their second EP 'Patterns' which has just be digitally released on our very own label Indiecater. The band are growing and fragile things are beginning to sound altogether more muscular. They'll leave the comfort of the seam soon and all the world will have no choice but to cave in to their charms.KD

The Ambience Affair - Lost At The Start

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Year: 2010

A quartet from Germany with their sights on the Go! Team Hanoi Janes get full marks for creating genuine retro. ‘Across The Sea’ was released on genuine 7” whale blubber, fizzed and fuzzed like something recorded in a back street basement and is bedecked in all the hallmarks of a classic sixties single. Pretty spectacular I think you’ll agree, given that it takes some talent to reconvene a classic sound and something even more impressive to include an effervescent tune while you are at it. This may even appeal to audiophiles normally appalled at the muddiness of a tune like this. This year's junior kickstarts for sure. KD

Hanoi Janes - Across The Sea

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Hanoi Janes
Year: 2009

Really holding a torch for this Filipino act who delve in the sort of classic jangle pop that we’d feature every day if there was enough good takes of it around. Moscow Olympics have been seen in all the right places (label wise) so you’ll not be alone in being swept away by their sweetness. ‘No Winter, No Autumn’ also has the distinction of finding itself on Rough Trade’s Indiepop Sampler from last year. The propulsive chime of the chords is one thing but when there’s ample fey boy vocals thrown into the bargain you know there was only ever going be one outcome. Adidas should really make a retro trainer and have this for the marketing campaign. KD

Moscow Olympics - No Winter, No Autumn

More Info: Myspace
Buy Songs: Moscow Olympics
Year: 2009

* pEtEr kAy - DiStIlLeD uNfUnNiNeSs
* FlOrEnCe AnD tHe MaChInE - nEw PoStEr GiRl FoR tHe AuRaLlY mIsGuIdEd
* TaKeAwAy CoFfEe – An AdMiSsIoN oF wIdE bOtToMhOoD

KD

Christian Marsac - L'Amour Conjugé

More Info: Official

Wherein a more appropriate name could have been Puppy Power but who are we to argue with such conflicting signals. And anyway when the music spirits forward with such twee pop glee the only dignified response is to clap along in time. Thunder Power come from Omaha and produced a debut EP called ‘Love Yourself’ in 2008 and quite like a drawer full of colourful socks it is a glorious jumble of small diversions. ‘(Why Don't You Go) Take a Hike?’ appropriates Belle before she met Sebastian, the melodies are there but they come hitched with a genuine sense of wide-eyed spontaneity. As you can probably gather we’re quite taken by it, even if it’s unlikely to be on the turntable the next time the lads call around for football. KD

Thunder Power - (Why Don't You Go) Take A Hike?

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Year: 2008

Everything But The Girl may have been amongst the wettest duo’s of the 1990’s but to their credit were savvy enough to orchestrate a screamadelica like about turn when a remix of one of their tracks ‘Missing’ became a huge hit in 1994. Respect but the consistent nag that they could easily slip back into syrupy self-indulgence never went away. So it came as a bit of a surprise when I fell so madly in love with a track from (one half of EBTG) Tracey Thorn’s third solo album ‘Love And Its Opposites’ (due in May). ‘Oh, The Divorces!’ is expertly constructed but the most pleasing aspect is the strength of the tune. That and the fact that Thorn has shorn the piece of production effluent, this is stripped back and effortless. A wonderful tune from a late bloomer (for these ears at least). KD

Tracey Thorn - Oh, The Divorces!

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Year: 2010

That Tears Run Rings tune of last night has definitely set me off on a shoegaze buzz. Jumping in the delorean back to the time when floppy fringes, copious on-stage fog and dangerously wide flares were de-rigour we come across a band of young chaps from Reading. Chapterhouse released just one album of real cop but what a piece of work it was. 1991’s ‘Whirlpool’ could up to recently be picked up on ebay if you have a few hundred lying around and it’s easy to see why when you clasp ears on the majesty of its lead single ‘Pearl’. This is shoegaze so perfectly executed its no wonder Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell stepped in to provide a hand on vocals. Not many things on earth are this beautiful. KD

Chapterhouse - Pearl

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Chapterhouse
Year: 1991

No its not another of the seemingly endless artefacts culled from the Slowdive locker, ‘Forgotten’ is in fact something from 2010. It might not be precisely how the song will sound on Tears Run Rings soon to be released second album ‘Distance’ but it's close. This is a demo and has the scratch marks to prove it but for those still hung up on shoegaze this is exhilarating stuff. Can’t beat the white noise din and background vocal hum of that particular genre and ‘Forgotten’ recreates it with undoubted elegance. The 4 parts that make TRR a whole live in different cities throughout the US helping no doubt to create the sense of isolation that their sound so craves. If you’re 20 this may all mean nothing to you, if you’re twice that you’ll probably be in a crumpled heap at this moment just like me. KD

Tears Run Rings - Forgotten

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Tears Run Rings
Year: 2010

Ok, the Housemartins may almost have had a Christmas number one with a acapello version of ‘Caravan of Love’ (oh I know there was the Flying Pickets too) but despite this it seems the form is criminally underused. Perhaps it’s the fact that this niche requires a tad more imagination and guitars tend to not get hoarse. Thankfully that hasn’t stopped Jorge R-Escudero from recording his remarkable album ‘Largo Bailón’ and he brings his instrumentless roadshow to Dublin this weekend (Button Factory, Sat 20 Feb). Promises to be an electric affair as circular voicelets merge to form patterned quilts of the likes of ‘Sunshine Juice’. This is drama, this is cinema, this is an altogether human story with a heartbreaking finale. Unmissable. KD

Hyperpotamus - Sunshine Juice

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Hyperpotamus
Year: 2009

Never has the word lush been more appropriately applied to a piece of music than on Boca Chica’s ‘Lake Erie’. It’s got the lot, the gently plucked banjo, the glowing atmosphere, the angelic vocals and to crown it all off the string laden climax. What more could you want for Valentine’s weekend? The Pittsburgh band have been on our radar for about 6 months now so when the opportunity arose to work with them we jumped at it. So can we present the ‘Valentine’ EP which has 5 tracks of hushed glory, unsweetened sentimentality and a rarely encountered sense of peace. ‘Lake Erie’ is the EP’s opener and sets the scene for the signature Boca Chica sound. The ‘Valentine’ EP can be fully streamed on Indiecater and is available to buy for just €2.50. KD

Boca Chica - Lake Erie

More Info: Official & Myspace
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Year: 2010

Utterly ridiculous name for a band that I shall use to taunt my friends at the exact point they usually ask me why I only go for bands with ridiculous names. The tried and tested conversation continues when I tell them that I tend to listen to the music before making up my mind, don’t care if they’re monikered with something along the lines of The Small and Big Hand of the Clock Held Hands and Fell In Love. Labels are only cosmetic anyway, it’s what’s contained within that counts. And in the case of the Nightgowns, the forbidden fruit is totally voluptuous. Untie the oft used indie tricks that line the shell of this tune and standing before you is an utterly purdy song. The Washington 4-piece really know how to coin a come to bed and make love to me sound for those hung up on alternative sonic stylings. KD

The Nightgowns - Buoy

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Nightgowns
Year: 2009

Bands that sound like the Smith eh? Must admit I prefer them over their inspiration. Never could quite fall for the quiffed ones voice but then I could quite easily take in a pleasant afternoon in the company of these Danes. This spangly number is the title track from their debut album, which came out just last month. Everything is in its right place, the slightly melancholic vocals, the preppy jangle, artful artwork and the sense that smoking at bus shelters is really one of the coolest pursuits known to pre-man. For all that you don’t need to be in on the knowing references because behind the scenery stoops a really fine song. KD

Northern Portrait - Criminal Art Lovers

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Buy Songs: Northern Portrait
Year: 2009

An artist from Austin and not a subtle chord change in sight. Yep this tune from Kat Edmonson is shorn of much of the decoration that you’d expect from that neck of the woods. That doesn’t in the least bit inhibit its ability to sound spellbinding however; all you’ll need this cold winter evening is Kat’s voice and some background sounds made with a Fisher-price toy. ‘Lucky’ clocks in at sub 3 minutes but is blessed with such clarity you can be assured of a genuine jolt of happiness. KD

Kat Edmonson - Lucky

More Info: Official & Myspace
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Year: 2007

The Van Allen Belt from Pittsburgh are a singular outfit and one we hold dear to our hearts. They even let us release their debut on indiecater last year and we know that some day it will be heralded for the genius piece of bonkers that it is. A knowing bonkers it must be said however because even if the shapeshifting drama knocks you off your feet the home truths in the lyrics will apply the requisite damp cloth to your sweaty forehead. And now and then the words are as hilarious as they are destined to hit the truth bullseye. ‘Superpowerfragilis’, the follow up to ‘Meal Ticket To Purgatory’ is no less dramatic than its predecessor and if anything is even more cinematic in its vision. Daytime radio this is not but it could quite easily fill the dark hours with an unparalleled soundtrack. Destiny is on their side and success will be theirs, so join up before it gets too crowded. Don’t believe me? Well then let the following piece open your mindsear. KD

The Van Allen Belt - Over The Dream

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Van Allen Belt
Year: 2010

This one came from out of the blue (or if I’m being less economical with the truth via an email from a fan of the band…cheers dave) and immediately sat at the top of the pile. Details about Manwomanchild are scant save for the fact that they live in Chicago. They could also read he for that’s what the press pics would tend to suggest. ‘Reasons’ is raw, adventurous and a wonderful reminder of an Irish band of yore called the Ultra Montanes who delivered a clutch of sparkling singles in the mid-nineties. It’s the juxtaposition of the shiny chords and the slightly coarse vocals where the alchemy happens and for that reason my groaning index finger is cursing me for organising endless replays. A band that all the family can savour. KD

Manwomanchild - Reasons

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Buy Songs: Manwomanchild
Year: 2010

On the 23rd of April 2007 the server that hosted Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin’s website dramatically crashed. It returned later that week but despite a thorough investigation and sincere soul-searching the cause of the blackout remains a mystery for the Missouri 4-piece. SSLYBY are an example of the archetypal indie act who are forever within a whisker of widespread success. Of course album number three, which is soon to be released (with Death Cab For Cutie fingers on production duties), could change all that and most probably will if they can conjure memorable numbers in the vein of ‘Murder Mystery’. It is taken from their last album ‘Pershing’ and features dextrous jangling chords as well as a bag of other fresh ideas. It’s not inconceivable that sometime soon website downtime might be as a direct result of an overwhelming new fanbase. I'll drink a vodka to that. KD

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Modern Mystery

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Buy Songs: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Year: 2008

Awhhhh, sweet indie pop, promo’d with a video parodying those scallywag Monkees. Doesn’t get much better in our book, a pretty jangle and lilting vocals will always catch our attention and ‘Dear Arthur’ is a classic of the kind. It comes from the imagination of Chris Linnane and is played in note perfect style by his band Boxboro. They are from Arlington and their recently released debut ‘You are the Hope, I am the Anchor’ should appeal to all those B&S fans who’ve felt a tad short-changed of late. Back in the day perfect little nuggets like this used to fill my mixtapes and my heart. Right now the latter's all aglow. KD

Boxboro - Dear Arthur

Watch The Video

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Year: 2010

‘I Want A House’ is characterised by empty spaces, floating wispiness fills the air and nothing of consequence can be deciphered. Why then do I adore this little tune so much? It’s one of those imponderables that only music can throw up, a most simple of shakedowns closes the piece down from about half way through and it’s altogether hypnotic to these ears. Twin Sister are a New York 5-piece who dished out their first release for free but are going all vinyl on us for the soon to be unleashed follow up. For fans of Stereolab 45’s spun at 33 1/3. KD

Twin Sister - I Want A House

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Year: 2008

Pour some sugar on husker du, add in a drop of pixie milk for taste and you soon arrive at Blank Dogs, a riotous act from contemporary times bleaching earth with their late 80’s carnage. And it’s all the work of Mike Sniper, a man so prone to creation he spent much of 2008 releasing recorded works (a dozen or so). 2009 wasn’t too shabby either with the ‘Under & Under’ 2 x LP unveiling wild vignettes such as ‘Tin Birds’ on a gaga obsessed world. This is deep down and dirty but ultimately a most beautiful artefact from a rich period in underground noise. I’m almost in tears.KD

Blank Dogs - Tin Birds

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Blank Dogs
Year: 2009

Of course it all hangs on the cute piano line, which will see girls with clips in their hair nod approvingly. The sugar doesn’t end there though as the voice that stands imperiously over everything else is noteworthy. Francis are a band with no names (I don’t for one second expect Jerker to be a real name, but thanks for the lovely email!) who are about to release an album that has no working title (or at least one they are willing to divulge). In the end it’s all cosmetic anyway, who gives a toss for packaging, band names, bio, stories about the producer when 95% of the reason we like music is because it sounds nice. This delicate number achieves what most songs fail to deliver, a memorable 3+ minutes that withstand the ravages of repeated exposure. KD

Francis - I Was Never Bored At All

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Year: 2010

Yep, we’re heading North via the quaint village of Camera Obscura towards the hamlet of Labrador. Melodies never sleep there, they endlessly reinvent themselves and circulate through its mazy corridors like a warm spring air. We’ve visited plenty of times and stayed at the Hotel Sambassadeur at least once before. Such a lovely place, grandeur and a welcome sense of the familiar means it’s an easy choice. The establishment will upgrade next month when the finished renovation job will make this a top class 4-star ‘European’ destination. We enjoy our ‘Days’ there and hope word of its class spreads. KD

Sambassadeur - Days

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Year: 2010

Silly me, I thought Rimer London was a lady’s eyeshadow or something along them lines. Turns out it is the moniker of a Dutch artist who does a neat line in near trance, a bleeptastic vision that doesn’t necessarily require dancefloor ability just an appreciation of stuff outside the guitar arena. ‘Go Away’ is a video game called centipede shredded through the bristles of a sonic hedgehog. Its arcs and contours are perfectly judged and in no need whatsoever for a random vocal to steal the lightly applied bumble. One for those foolish enough to think Sunday nights are a weekly horror comic without illustrations. KD

Rimer London - Go Away

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Rimer London
Year: 2010

Oh the intrigue, an email with fwd in its subject line denoting that it was sent as an afterthought or ended in my inbox in a sullied second-hand way. The innards consisted of a solitary line and an appended tune which if it hadn’t sounded like a classy Swedish Grizzly Bear from the mid-eighties would not have stood a chance. This ‘covert side project’ certainly has legs and no amount of cold trails (cute blank myspace page fellas and I'm crap at anagrams) is going to detract from it. The revelation may or may not come but the Selfish Replicators ‘Strands’ has at the very least left an indelible mark in this tiny corner of cyberspace. I’m guessing Sincerely Yours already has plans to sign them by the close of the weekend. KD

The Selfish Replicators - Strands

More Info: Emptyspace
Year: 2010

Here’s a song that stole a line from Willy Wonka (1971) and came away with a honeyed chorus. Of course the peddling Mr Wilder also plundered but who cares when the indiefication at the end of the quadruple century old saga is a delight. ‘The Only Pretty Ring Time’ was originally released on the Very Most’s download only ‘Spring’ EP but has now been joined by 14 others on their new CD ‘A Year With The Very Most’. Understandably we believe it’ll be the best indiepop record of 2010 and for €9 you can see if we’re right. A full album stream, 4 free tunes and those cuddly buy links can all be found over on the Indiecater website. KD

The Very Most - The Only Pretty Ring Time

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Buy Songs: The Very Most
Year: 2010

Crikey, this is stunning. Another peach from the Chicago act named Office (they've appeared on one of our Indiecater comps!). Led by Scott Masson the band are an entity in touch with modern realities. Office offer their music up for free and live from day to day on the income earned from the vinyl equivalents. It’s brave and not entirely revolutionary but when you clasp your ears on the produce you’ll agree that this is not another fly-by-night outfit and are fully deserving of having this as their occupation. Their latest LP ‘Mecca’ is a high-octane mix of vibrant classic pop (70’s era, Webb Brosesque) with giant rolling choruses. ‘Aphrodisiac Missiles’ is drop dead gorgeous, a lost E.L.O. classic and something that everyone who has ever enjoyed a piece of popular piece of music will lap up. Scott you'd melt the Antarctica. KD

Office - Aphrodisiac Missiles

More Info: Office & Myspace
Buy Songs: Office
Year: 2009

Fuck it, Monday tomorrow. Time to don those slightly crumpled black slacks, lace up those terribly beaten but well polished comfy brogues and remove ones brain for the necessity that is reality. It’s punishment but the daytime torture makes the evenings all the more delightful. Ain’t nothing like that post clocked out feeling with new tunes spilling into ears and the promise of family at the end of the walkable commute. So with increasingly upturned lip I often like to spend Sunday evenings looking for a positive mood shifter. Tonight it comes from Spirit Spine, a young man called Joseph Denney who spends his time between the endless crammed life of a student writing electronic sounds like foraging creatures on the jungle floor. It’s subtle stuff, low on meaningful narrative but high on propulsive melody and bodes well for his sophomore, which is out in a couple of days. Nessum dorma, if Joseph gets his way. KD

Spirit Spine - Flashes

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Spirit Spine
Year: 2010

While their tunes could never have been labelled timeless their signature organ did recall an era that is the most revered in rock and roll history. And for all that the Inspiral Carpets left an indelible impression on those who fell head over heels for their early albums (patchiness bedevilled album 3 and its successors). Hailing from Oldham the Inspirals seamlessly jumped the madchester bandwagon (geographically they were entitled to) and became one of its leading lights. While they lacked in Stone Roses cool, Happy Mondays authenticity and Charlatans youthful vigour they more than made up for in good humour and a sprinkling of outstanding tunes. ‘She Comes In The Fall’ is one of their best, an indie disco staple of the day it still sounds impressive bedecked in faux sixties machinations and a distinctive drumroll that Reni himself would have been proud to call his own. Cool as fuck in other words. KD

The Inspiral Carpets - She Comes In The Fall

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Year:

When the band found this song amongst the dust of a decades old master tape the memories came flooding back. Little band from Dublin on the cusp of something big, major’s knocking down their door, big name producer in the studio doing his thing with their magical creations. But like so many almost could have beens before them things ultimately fell apart. ‘Somebody Change The Season’ hurts more than most, despite sounding to these ears like recovered bullion it pains Sunbear’s 4 players. Apparently the big name turned out to be a big so-and-so and amongst the fallout gems like this lay undiscovered. It took the bright endeavour of one of the 4 to make the MBVesque sweetness see the light of day. For students of shoegaze it’s an exercise in hearing it from the masters. As you’d expect I still haven’t stopped salivating. KD

Sunbear - Somebody Change The Season

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Buy Songs: Sunbear
Year: 1994/1996/2009

Time to pump up the jam but not in the traditional sense, no that would be too easy and probably appeal to more people than would be palatable for our nietzsche tastes. The Swedes tend to do it their own way anyway and Norma from good auld Hägersten flutter and wow using a pairs of eyes that only have the inclination for their own vision. ‘You Go, We Follow’ comes from their own personal readings that can be found in the ‘Book of Norma’. It is to their credit that the near cult like trance that develops brings forth disciples as opposed to lost souls. Wipe the sleep from your eyes and dance in that boxed up pair of vintage runners. KD

Norma - You Go, We Follow

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Norma
Year: 2008

I wonder when other bands slouch on a couch and listen to Grizzly Bear whether they accept with cloudy eyes that they are never going to reach the peaks set by the Brooklyn act. GB are purveyors of classic tunes even if the elaborately laid sequences take persistence, the nooks and crannies are deep but once explored they reveal glacial pools of ingenuity. ‘Cheerleader’ almost topped our Top 42 of last year and in truth ‘Two Weeks’ could have easily done even better had my mood been different the day I made the list. ‘Veckatimest’ from whence it came was easily the most difficult album to pronounce of last year but the hope is that it will also lay some sort of exciting roadmap for indie’s new explorers for years to come. KD

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Grizzly Bear
Year: 2009

Despite only coming from up the road in Derry it took a note from his Glasgow record label Antimatter to make Conor Mason appear on our radar. And glad we are too because the warm embrace from his ‘When It’s Over’ album has been making the deep snow in our back garden slowly melt away. The first thought that shot into my head was Elliott Smith but then similarities aren’t close enough to be distracting. ‘When It’s Over’ is a lovely listen, a gush of melodies accompanied by delicately woven arrangements. Mason’s vocals are a soft velvet rush of niceness and when things really take off like on ‘Before You Run’, ‘When It's Over’ and ‘Luck’ you have the makings of an artist that could soon win over a slew of hearts. KD

Conor Mason - Before You Return

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Conor Mason
Year: 2009

After a barren number of years something in my waters is telling me that England could be in 2010 about to leave us with a raft of vital new bands. Hope so, its just not fair leaving Sweden and the States with such a ridiculous burden. The first shaft of light comes from London 4-piece Fez who along with their 2nd hand ebay acquired equipment have amassed a tiny set of sparkling tunes. Said tunes arrived in my inbox about 24 hours ago and instantly set an overfed pulse racing. Those seeking the multi weaved genius of Grizzly Bear should look away because Fez’s in your face approach provides nothing more than an uncomplicated delight. Happy music for happy people as someone famous from Glasgow once said via a loud guitar. KD

Fez - Lowlight

More Info: Myspace
Year: 2010

Had to be Hot Lava on the day the capital of Ireland was slain by several fluffy flakes and a dearth of gritters. Actually Hot Lava are pretty much essential any day of the year such is their cutesy ability to coin sonic gorgeousness. This tune is far less than 2 minutes long but when you are wedging 6 songs on a piece of 7” vinyl (split evenly between our heroes and the Sad Cobras) space is always going to be at a premium. But what ‘Lady Postman’ achieves in those short few seconds might take other acts a career to imagine. This is just pristine pop and if like me you are still basking in post ‘Lavalogy’ sunshine it is the perfect tonic until Bar/None releases what should be an all conquering sophomore. KD

Hot Lava - Lady Postman

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Hot Lava/Sad Cobras
Year: 2009

The longwinded name intrigues and ever so stealthily the music ices the hypnotic brew. These Canadians are certainly earthly and you’ll gather as much from the themes that traipse through their tunes. ‘Hometowns’ was the Rural Alberta Advantage’s first LP and fetched enough critical adulation to lift them imperiously above their maddening indie cohorts. The attraction is obvious, a show burning one, their ideas rarely bolt for the finishing line especially as the winding road offers far more sonic possibilities. They also take a mean promo pic, which probably wins over those who are swung by aesthetic cues. A different breed and ultimately a different class. KD

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Sleep All Day

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Rural Alberta Advantage
Year: 2008

2 thoughts rang out in the night sky, what a pretty Catatonia tune and one that sports such an elastic Joy Division bass line. The facts however will show that ‘Midas’ is in fact the product of 2 girls and 2 boys from London who go by the name of Rubicks. They’ve been knocking around since the early part of the century and their last EP ‘Idiot Time’ came out April last year. ‘Midas’ comes from 2002 but somehow found it’s way onto the SXSW music torrent in 2007. Got to be thankful too because this is a feisty little number, one designed to tear indie dancefloors apart through its adherence to creative multi-tasking. Could be kids singing at the end too and despite the danger of this decision it actually works pretty well. KD

Rubicks - Midas

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Rubicks
Year: 2002

Oh Hjaltalín, where have you been all my life or at least since 2007 when it seems your ‘Sleepdrunk Seasons’ LP was released? Could have done with the brightness, the cascading waterfall of bumbly noise that gushes from tunes like ‘Traffic Music’. This is wildly eclectic stuff from the Icelandic troupe but is styled in such a way that sets it free from accusations of arty fartyness. No, this smells, feels and sounds very palatable even for those not inclined to stray too far from Simon Cowell’s retched bag of tricks. This is music designed to make you happy, its twitches so well timed it may even make sense of a world that is utterly confusing most of the time. KD

Hjaltalín - Traffic Music

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Hjaltalín
Year: 2007

Little known, low aged and currently signed to that beacon of cool Sub Pop it really looks like California’s Avi Buffalo could be ones to watch. Having a moniker that appeals to both the youthful and ancient markets certainly helps but it’s the sounds that will turn a thousand cursory inspections into wholesale fandom. The debut album is due later this year so for now we’ll have to dine on the scraps from the table of heavenly indie rock. And what a feast 7-incher ‘Whats In It For?’ (nice to see they don’t have a me complex) lays on, the singer Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg is young and it thus seems apt that he boasts Neilesque vocals. The instrumentation for its part is languid, cool and in places quite deft. This has the feel of a classic heard (sic), but one with modern day interneticisms. KD

Avi Buffalo - What's In It For?

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Avi Buffalo
Year: 2009

Earlier this year I professed my love for this collective from Carlow and quite unbeknownst to me they’ve since gone on and released a full length. ‘Lo-Fi Love Songs’ was mostly recorded live and cocked some very important American ears (very few Irish ones mind). I am at this moment getting a copy couriered over the snow-capped Wicklow mountains and my expectations are higher than said peaks. Being drip fed Huts on Stilts goodies has just warmed the cockles for the full on experience that will follow shortly. The quartet are fans of the Frank and Walters and write songs about Estonian girls so what’s not the like. ‘Kopraonu’ is an altogether simple affair, blushing as it delivers its melody laden lines and barely raising the vocal parts above a glowing hum. KD

Huts on Stilts - Kopraonu

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Huts on Stilts
Year: 2009

This is so beautiful, something to keep you warm as the arctic gradually spreads its icy tentacles across the country. Patrick Watson won the Polaris Music Prize back in 2007 with his debut ‘Close To Paradise’ so there’s no mistaking his talent. The follow up ‘Wooden Arms’ appeared earlier this year and contained this impish delight. On this occasion he is joined on vocals by Katie Moore and the duo ably prove that sometimes simple is all you need. The piano and banjo parts are understated and at no point disturb the delicate crooning. Everything is in its right place and the gathering momentum towards the end does nothing except enhance the grandeur. Precious. KD

Patrick Watson - Big Bird In A Small Cage

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Patrick Watson
Year: 2009