What have Getintothis’ Greg O’Keeffe and Thom Yorke got in common? No, they’re not both miserable bastards – they share a love of Cardiff hipsters Los Campesinos, as our singles round up suggests…
Los Campesinos: Death to Los Campesinos – Single of the Week
Being tipped by Thom Yorke is praise indeed and thatâÂÂs why this lot from Cardiff are buzzing more than a Manc on smack at present â but they live up to it. Dual singers Aleksandra and Gareth (no second names, just Campesino) have got intriguing voices and their choppy interplay over a monster of a track is seriously good.
There are hints of Arcade Fire, Polyphonic Spree and Bloc Party but they rise above their influences and are doing something different, exciting and melodic.
Alice and the Majesty: I Could Love You
Plainative acoustic guitar over hushed girly vocals from barge-dwelling North-Londoner Alice McLaughlin. This starts off slow but builds a nice momentum, with a few discordant strings and squelchy beats along the way. ItâÂÂs a bitter-sweet, stripped down love song which doesnâÂÂt outstay its welcome. Think an English, female Devandara Banhart.
Attic Lights: Never Get Sick of the Sea
This was produced by Francis Macdonald of Teenage Fanclub and it shows. The Glaswegian newcomers list Guided by Voices, The âÂÂFanclub and The Beach Boys as their influences and their debut is a pastiche of those bands which doesnâÂÂt quite add up. ItâÂÂs bright, poppy and upbeat but otherwise lacking in the depth and textural qualities which mad the lads heroes stand out. Nevertheless itâÂÂs hard to dislike.
The Teenagers: No Love
Cleverly crafted synth-pop from these promising Anglo-Parisians. Debut Homecoming was a belter of a big toe into the water and âÂÂNo Loveâ carries the baton nicely.
With his distinctive part-spoken, part sung delivery Quentin Delafon trawls through his list of no noâÂÂs in relationships â including smoking too much, talking to exes, eating greasy food and partying too much. ItâÂÂs dark too, âÂÂIâÂÂm not in love but itâÂÂs OK to stay with youâ goes the chorus, thereâÂÂs a smarting ex out there somewhere.
The Trestles: All Grown Up
Scouse outfit The Trestles skip the usual Liverpool template of chiming acoustic guitars for big, bold AOR guitars and soaring choruses. TheyâÂÂve got a savvy record collection too, combining the energy of The Hold Steady with the opera of Springsteen or Journey. I donâÂÂt think theyâÂÂd claim to be pushing any boundaries but this is feel-good, foot-tapping rock n roll.
Les Savy Fav: Patty Lee
The old school Brooklynites release a simple yet effective blast of indie rawk which is riff-laden and vibrant. Post-punk guitars and subtle drums make it work to an extent but you have to try and ignore the vocals which are irritating and repetitive.
Nizlopi: Start Beginning
Ok so maybe these werenâÂÂt a one-hit blunder. This is a more grown-up, intense effort than the JCB song. ItâÂÂs to their credit that they still have the hunger and soul to make good music like this, even if it probably wonâÂÂt bother the charts again.