It’s been over a decade since The Libertines and The Strokes brought us the Indie Revolution that inspired a generation and it’s hard to see the genre reaching those heights again but it’s a stubborn movement that could be on the edge of a renaissance. Here’s what NME pins its hopes on.
Firewater - Django Django
Like most great indie bands it’s the raw style and energy that hooks you in. With a catchy infusion of surf rock and pop it’s the high energy tracks like Hail Bop and Default that grabbed our attention but countless bands have excited the press and the people alike with their style but have seemed to lack substance over time. For me bands such as the Klaxons and MGMT are classic examples of this indie hype model. Django though seem to have something more to offer. Firewater is the token debut-album acoustic song. The band explore the myth of alcohol through a strange personifying of the drug. It’s a fresh take on a common theme and the slithers of electronic give life to the camp-fire guitar structure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIqI_uwjdJ8
Bloodshake - Peace
Peace are growing on me but it’s hard to see them changing the world at least not at the moment. This is the first song of theirs that I heard and though the song itself seemed like nothing particularly interesting I loved the surprising post-rock-esque ending and found myself listening to the song in eager anticipation of the last few bars of guitar. It will be interesting to see how they build momentum live when going into the climax.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcf6iQDWPEo
Palma Violets - Last of The Summer Wine
Probably the band I'm most excited to see on this tour. Palma are kicking up a fuss with their raucous live peformances and explosive stage presence. Though it pains me to say it (because it's been said about to many to often) they remind me of the early Libertines. They're not a replacement though. They are their own band of course and they have things to say (unlike too many mute muscians.) Their guitar hooks have a vaguely timeless sound and they're lyrics are witty - two benchmarks of a lasting indie rock band.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4cj-1eC0A8
Django Django - Skies Over Cairo
Returning to the earlier discussion on style and substance, here is another indicator that there’s something intriguing behind Django. The Egyptian vibe that hovers throughout the album comes to fruition in this magical instrumental.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdfruP8Mwgw
Come Closer – Miles Kane (Ross)
Miles Kane is probably best known for co-fronting Last of the Shadow Puppets along with Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys, but he is now becoming quite successful in his own right as a solo artist. This has been recognised by NME as he has joined their annual tour along with 3 other prospects for 2013. The first time I heard Miles Kane solo material was back in 2011 on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show, and it was this song, Come Closer. I really like this song and it is probably on of the best on his first album, The Colour of the Trap. It’s quite a simple song, but it as all the attributes of a good indie rock song: strong rhythm and drums, and a great guitar riff. A sure fire hit in any indie nightclub. Miles has a distinctive voice, partly down to his strong accent but he also comes across as having a bit of a ‘rock star’ attitude – arrogant and cocky. You can certainly notice this in his live performances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XroUZuI_Io
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