The View new album 22 January
Hats OffTo The Buskers
Dundee band The View offera superb guitar based debut album. 'Comin Down', the stomping opener sets the tone for a forty minute journey through a variety of moods ... somewhat akin to The Fratellis, possibly greatly inspired by The Arctic Monkeys success, The View create a few surprises too. The pointed 'Face For The Radio' seques nicely into 'Wasted Little DJs' .. I'm saying nothing. Then there's the jaunty rhythm of 'The Don', just 3 of 13 well worthy trax. XXXX
theviewareonfire.com (Posted 25 Jan 07)

Stephen Marley -
Mind Control new album tbc
Is this Bob Marley? The haunting vocals are almost identical. Same sentiment too, political consciousness with some lovers rock. 'Mind Control' is a great opener, it's reggae like it used to be. Nine more superb offerings like 'Iron Bars', 'The Traffic Jam', 'Lonely Avenue', Let Her Dance' and the finale 'Inna Di Red'. Julian & Damian Marley also feature, it's on Bob's Tuff Gong label, it's Bob Marley 2007. XXXXx
stephenmarleymusic.com (Posted 25 Jan 07)

Brakes new single 26 February
Cease & Desist - 163bpm
Aaah Brakes are brilliant. Edgy, compact, straight to point, short and sharp and here's another two minute opus from their excellent 'The Beatific Visions' album. 'Cease & Desist' inspired by Romeo Delaire's documentary 'Shake Hands With The Devil', The Book of Job and Johnny Cash ... If there's any justice they'll be Top Ten in March. XXXX
brakesbrakesbrakes.com (Posted 25 Jan 07)

Just Jack new album 29 January
Overtones
Wordsmith Just Jack is a real talent. Each song on this debut album is quite brilliant with great titles 'Writers Block', 'Spectacular Failures', 'Disco Friends', 'Symphony Of Sirens', 'Mourning Morning', 'I Talk Too Much', 'Glory Days', 'Koolaid' the vid for 'Writer's Block' and the superb hit single 'Starz In Their Eyes'. An excellent addition to any collection. XXXX
justjack.co.uk (Posted 25 Jan 07)

there's a Beck like funky bass-riff and strong vocals and lyrics. Then it's the 122bpm power pop dance of 'Make It Right' - A superb 7" limited edition. Look out for him on tour with Number One artists Mica, if Leon keeps this up he'll be as big as Prince - no doubt about it. XXXX
myspace.com/leonjeanmarie (Posted 25 Jan 07)

The Maccabees
About Your Dress - 176bpm - new single 26 February
Yep here come de Maccabees again, Brighton rocks with another two minute pop song 'About Your Dress'. An intriguing title and there's a buzz around the band at the moment, they label mates to The Cure so the Top Forty beckons. XXXx themaccabees.co.uk
myspace.com/themaccabees (Posted 25 Jan 07)

Alterkicks new single tbc
Good Luck - 143bpm
Alterkicks were busy in 2006 supporting The Automatic and Larrikin Love on tour. Fierce Panda, Moshi Moshi and now their third label B Unique believe they may have something to offer. 'Good Luck' will make a fine single, a catchy, electric/accoustic guiatr based tune, however the band probably need a gimmick of some sort to seperate them from the pack. XXX
myspace.com/alterkicks (Posted 25 Jan 07)

Kubichek! new single 26 February
Nightjoy - 146bpm
A fine new single from Kubichek!, 'Nightjoy' is steady progress in the right direction and bodes well for the hotly anticipated debut album 'Not Enough Night'. XXXx
myspace.com/kubichek
kubichek.co.uk (Posted 25 Jan 07)