Paul Marshall

Vultures

Coming in a period when the UK market seems to be flooded with singer-songwriters, Paul Marshall’s debut reintroduces some talent and integrity to the genre. more… “Paul Marshall”

Ben Godwin

Skin And Bone

To say that Ben Godwin sounds like Tom Waits is something of an understatement. Some of the tracks on Skin And Bone could have been lifted straight from middle-period Waits, and it’s a surprise that he hasn’t sued for the theft of his trademark growl. For those of us who enjoy Waits’s gravely, Armstrong-like rumble, however, that’s no bad thing, and there are certainly enough tunes on here to back it up. Openers ‘Drinking Gasoline’ and ‘New World City’ contain just the right amount of musical vaudeville to support the comparison, although the album’s slower numbers sometimes sound more like a Disney soundtrack than outtakes from Swordfishtrombones.

In fact, it’s the comparison with Waits’s experimental meanderings that undermines Skin And Bone, as there’s little here that lives up to his more anarchic side, and all too often Godwin’s songs end up sounding like barely-disguised showtunes. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that he lacks the edge that could make him great. Once he gets that growl cranked up, though, there’s plenty of bluesy vibe to keep things interesting, and the handful of truly great songs prop up some of the weaker tracks in the middle. Tom Waits-lite, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Asobi Seksu

Citrus

Whirling, shimmering guitar distortion. Soaring, ethereal vocals. It’s no surprise that New York four-piece Asobi Seksu (which means ‘playful sex’, if you don’t already know) have earned comparisons with My Bloody Valentine, Lush and pretty much every other shoegazing band that has ever studied their own laces. more… “Asobi Seksu”

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan

Edinburgh Liquid Room (T on the Fringe)

There have been many Beauty & The Beast acts in popular music through the years – Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue, Johnny Cash & June Carter, Shane MacGowan & Kirsty MacColl… the list could go on. What’s most remarkable about the Campbell/Lanegan pairing, however, is the fact that there’s no doubting who’s in the driving seat. more… “Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan”

The Magnificents

Year Of Explorers

It should come as no great surprise to learn that The Magnificents met at Edinburgh Art College. There seems to be something of a trend at the moment for ex-art students forming bands, and after the various outpourings of Glasgow’s alumni it’s only fair that the capital’s graduates should get in on the act. more… “The Magnificents”

Biffy Clyro

Folding Stars

Just one listen to the swelling chorus and bass-driven melody of ‘Folding Stars’, and it’ll immediately become clear that ‘the Biffy’ would like nothing better than to be the British Foo Fighters. And, frankly, who can blame them? more… “Biffy Clyro”

Callel

Among Other Things EP

Callel really shouldn’t be this good. All four band members are still in their teens, and some of them look as if they probably still have a pretty decent Pokemon collection stashed somewhere at home. more… “Callel”

Kill The Young

We Are The Birds And The Bees We Are The Telephone Trees

It may have one of the worst song titles in musical history, but there’s no disputing that ‘We Are The Birds…’ marks the arrival of a genuinely exciting new talent. more… “Kill The Young”

Green Peppers

Honest Injun

With vocals from Del Amitri’s Justin Currie, and guitars by Soup Dragons and Superstar alumnus Jim McCulloch, this should really be amazing – and, thankfully, it is. more… “Green Peppers”