As per tradition, I take a stab to see what will be the popular new British acts that will make waves on our side of the pond. Taking a look at last year's list, none of the acts managed to make it over or gained much buzz. Joe Lean did play SXSW, but canceled shows to focus on their debut album. Eventually, they scrapped the album to try again. Also, I was one year late on The Courteneers, who will be taking to the road with Morrissey for his spring U.S. tour. The others, Reverend and The Makers, Good Shoes and Vincent Vincent and the Villains are still worth a look at.
5. Post War Years-- I've named dropped most of the bands on this Top 5 before, but not Post War Years. Obviously, they are not to be confused with Cold War Kids. PSY is a below-the-radar London four-piece along the lines of Foals, with their mathematical, driving rhythms informing their sound. White Lies took them along on one of their U.K. tours.
4. The Joy Formidable-- Another band that White Lies took along for some gigs, Their extensive, glammy music has great attitude and reminds me of the best parts of Garbage back in the day. Their big plus is a dynamic lead singer in Ritzy Bryan. For the time being, they are content will releasing singles and playing the occasional gig.
3. Thomas Tantrum-- Of all the new British bands that have passed through my listening docket, this one I'm obsessed with. Even Glasvegas picked them to open on their last U.K. tour. Their explosive bratty sound is one of the catchiest thing I heard last year. I took one listen to "Work It" I knew this was a band I'll be latching onto. You can get their debut album in the U.S. on your favorite download service of choice. They're latest single is called "Rage Against the Tantrum."
2. XX Teens -- Despite getting their debut album, Welcome to Good Island, released in the U.S, the London five piece didn't make that all important U.S. tour leap. I think with their frantic, cheeky sound they are primed to gain a new legion of followers. Their song, "My Favorite Hat" is a big time crowd-pleaser. Just look at that picture from the Electric Proms, they have people wearing birdcages on their head. Wouldn't you want to see that?
1. Florence and the Machine-- This was the obvious to make Florence Welch and Co. the top act to see in the U.S. This year, all the stars are lining up to make a run at it in the U.S. She's already making the kids happy in the U.K. with her slot on the NME Awards Tour. Johnny Borrell has written songs for her with James Ford producing her debut album. Most importantly, she's already won a Brit Award. You can expected if she plays a NYC show that it will sell out damn quickly.
You are so right about Florence, no doubt there. But mainly well done indeed for spotting The Joy Formidable, they are such an exciting band. I have taken a particular interest as two of the band are from my part of the world, but forget that - they just have an epic sound. On record it sounds pretty damn good anyway, but LIVE, well that wall of feedback is just one of the most impressive things I have seen or heard in a good while. This is no pretence, just the real deal
They will have a self produced CD out in February
www.myspace.com/thejoyformidable
Posted by: Catshoe | January 04, 2009 at 04:10 PM
I agree with Catshoe's comments about TJF. I saw them supporting White Lies on their last UK tour and they more than matched them for presence, excitement and sound, and outmatched them in glamour with their delectable lead singer Ritzy.
Posted by: babz54321 | January 05, 2009 at 05:29 PM