woodhands

I can't help but get up and start dancing around whenever woodhands is streaming over my laptop. No this isn't a French electronic duo, although their smooth and well polished sound could easily be mistaken for one. With an album being released April 1st make sure you get out in the month of March and check woodhands out while you can still get into their shows.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): I Wasn't Made For Fighting
Kind of Like: An angry Daft Punk

PREDICTION:
To be embraced in France and to become winners of an NRJ new artist award.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/woodhands
Website: http://www.woodhands.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXPAkuzvB3A

The Hot Puppies

The Hot Puppies are a UK band that are ready to give us a commercial hit, and as they would like to think, achieve world domination. All the pieces are there. A flare for writing fun eclectic music that is dark and moody enough to attract a large market, the warbly female vocals provided by Becky are classic. They remind me of 80's Britpop, and yet the sound, with a touch of the electronic, is current enough that it would feel at home on most Top 40 charts. I look foward to hearing that big hit that makes it happen for The Hot Puppies.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): How To Choose A Wife
Kind of Like: Early No Doubt, The Smiths as sung by Gwen Stefani.

PREDICTION:
A top 40 hit on North American Pop Charts, and then on to world domination.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thehotpuppies
Website: http://www.thehotpuppies.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY_SrE0I_6s

Click here to WATCH THE FULL GIG

The Madame Project

In honour of the Spice Girls wrapping up their reunion tour I have decided to choose a suitable act to grab the torch and run once the curtain comes down tonight. Also from the UK, The Madame Project takes five girls, just as unpolished as our dear Spices once were, and combines their full and powerful voices with disco beats to produce something that would be welcome on dancefloors across the globe. It is always fun to watch the quality of work improve with young talent. From the music to promo shots, the gloss is about to be laid on with these ladies.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Maybe We Can
Kind of Like: Spice Girls go disco diva.

PREDICTION:
A top 10 hit in the U.K. and play in North American dance clubs.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themadameproject
Website: N/A
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x5KAU3UYtc

Pony Up

Pony Up is going to make it cool to listen to girl rock bands again, even if you are over 20! The maturity in the lyrics and sound make them one of my new favourites. The vocals are girlie and sweet, the lyrics well written and not overly depressing. There is a cute slight hint of movement in the lead voice at times that keeps the vocals interesting throughout. It is a matter of time before these girls are rocking out in stadiums across Europe so check them out now in a small venue while you can.


WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): The Truth About Cats and Dogs
Kind of Like: The Go-Go's meet Liz Phair, An intelligent Avril Lavigne.


PREDICTION:
A top 20 hit in North America this coming fall, followed by comparable international success in 2009.


LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/iheartponyup
Website: http://www.ponyup.ca/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=37qg3-a_-X8

The Somnambulants

I am all about second chances, especially when you are talking about a band that has always been before their time. Sometimes it takes more than one, or in this case, three albums to find your feet and your following. The Somnambulants are on the verge of finding their following. A heavy electronic outift that is still danceable, listenable and fun they appear to be playing around with making their tunes more accessible, and that is key for explosion. If recent songs are any indication The Somnambulants are ready to explode. I demand another full album now, but in the meantime check out their last few projects.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Take It On, Comforts of Absence
Kind of Like: Fischerspooner with a warmer voice, Ladytron, Gary Numan.

PREDICTION:
The Somnambulants will become college radio sweethearts after releasing their next full length album.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/somnambulants
Website: http://www.somnambulants.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9LAToTIl70

Andreena Mill

How refreshing. A young talented R and B star, bound to become a diva, who writes her own material and can play an instrument too. The voice is layered, deep and smokey, but still girlie enough to carry off upbeat pop without sounding too predictable. Andreena is set to release a solo album this year which is sure to make her an international success.


WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Got You and Tomorrow, What it was about me
Kind of Like: Janet Jackson back in the 90's

PREDICTION:
North American Top 10 hit with debut single.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andreenamill
Website: http://www.andreenamill.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb4FPQxABXM

Soko

There is a time when a young artist finds a way to take their creativity and channel it into something that might be used to sell merchandise, sweet pixie-like Soko is almost there. Her wacky dissonant style is beginning to mature into folky ballads that soar when her sweet melodic accented voice delivers quirky lyrics about love. We are all waiting to see what the album will be like.

WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): I will never love you more, I'll Kill Her
Kind of Like: Emiliana Torrini, A mini-Yael Naim.

PREDICTION:
A great album which will be used to sell everything from computers to perfume.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mysoko
Website: http://sokomusic.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25AsfkriHQc

The XX

Like a warm blanket on a cold winter day The XX vibe is one that envelops you. A young band that is still developing and finding a true direction, there is enough talent among them to give them a real shot. With The XX I favour the tracks which make use of the female vocals. The ultra feminine nature of the vocals, which are delivered with a confidence and ease, linked with the moody guitar is familiar enough to make you want to listen.


WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Suggestion, blood red moon
Kind of Like: The Cure meets Everything but the Girl

PREDICTION:
Several great soundtrack contributions leading to an album which will be critically acclaimed and played by twenty somethings at dinner parties around the world.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thexxarefun
Website: N/A
YouTube: N/A

Sam Sparro

Sigh. Real, true talent like this is a once in a lifetime. Sam Sparro has a soulful voice like no other. Smooth electronic 80's undertones and his classic 60's blues vocals mix for a perfect fresh combination. His geek chic image is a great juxaposition to the sound he possesses and makes him a truly accessible act.


WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Black and Gold
Kind of Like: Kraftwerk with T-Bone Walker on vocals. (Glam, meets soul, embraces the eighties.) Amy Winehouse's raving little brother.

PREDICTION:
A top 40 hit in the U.K. and success in North American dance clubs.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/samsparro
Website: http://www.samsparro.com/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=eHuebHTD-lY

The D’Urbervilles

A cool up and coming band. These Canadian boys play with bass and drums in a way we have heard before, but add in a heavier guitar edge and cool, sharp "Brandon Flowers" like vocals and you get the energy that is The D'Urbervilles.


WRAP IT UP:
Hot Track(s): Dragnet, Hot Tips
Kind of Like: The Killers

PREDICTION:
Airtime on MuchMusic with a large teenage girl following.

LET ME LISTEN DJ:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thedurbervilles
Website: http://www.shakeitdown.org/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ETdJXT2z83I