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EDITORS - 'A TON OF LOVE' (SINGLE)

The Editors are back! Taken from the Birmingham band’s fourth studio album, ‘The Weight Of Your Love' (due for release on June 24th), 'A Ton Of Love' - their first new music in over three years - finds the band in stadium-conquering mood with an Americana-tinged sound not too dissimilar to Echo and The Bunnymen (never a bad thing). Opening with typically powerful and booming bass and drums, Tom Smith sings about misdemeanours in Vienna, declaring 'you gotta learn to be thankful for the things that you have', before launching into a massive chorus, complete with glamourous Edge-style riffing and a gargantuan vocal hook that Bono would be proud of (sing 'Desire'). Recorded in Nashville with producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings Of Leon), this is this a much more 'live' Editors with an edgier and more direct sound than before and certainly bodes well for the album…

Pre-order link to the deluxe album: smarturl.it/ozi23h

HOWIE PAYNE - THE BRIGHTEST STAR (DEMO)

What a fantastic song from Liverpool's Howie Payne (formerly of the superb and criminally underrated Scouse band The Stands). 'The Brightest Star' is the kind of timeless music that transcends eras and genres - hypnotic, wonderfully understated with just a gently chugging acoustic guitar and Howie's peaceful, dulcet tones gliding effortlessly above. So simple but so, so effective. Roll on the 5th of June at St Pancras Old Church.

Listen at https://soundcloud.com/howiepayne/the-brightest-star-demo

Howie will play at St Pancras Old Church in London on 5th June - buy tickets HERE

JAMES SKELLY & THE INTENDERS - 'YOU'VE GOT IT ALL' (SINGLE)

Co-written by Paul Weller, the second single from James Skelly's forthcoming debut solo album, 'Love Undercover' (due June 3rd) is a real hark back to great song writing from eras gone by - a 60s-soaked pop tune of real quality that would by a classic today if it were written back then, full of glittering, life-affirming Motown harmonies and executed with all the flair of a vintage Diana Ross recording. Breathtakingly good. The album could be one of the best of the year judging by the early evidence.

James Skelly's UK headline tour starts June 6th in Leeds…For more information go to www.jamesskellyandtheintenders.com

SWIM DEEP - 'SHE CHANGES THE WEATHER' (SINGLE)

Birmingham's Swim Deep continue to impress with this piano-driven ballad, full of glorious harmonies that tug at the heart strings from the get go… Epically swirling drums and hushed vocals set the tone with a great chorus that wouldn't sound out of place on The Stones Roses' debut. If you want sun-kissed sounds, baggy beats and vintage 90s melodies, look no further...

For more information click HERE

SIENNA - 'ROOTS 1' (EP REVIEW)

Celebrating the launch of their new EP with special shows at This Feeling in Edinburgh and Glasgow this weekend, Sienna is a supremely talented six-piece with a spontaneous and improvisational style and as exciting a new band as we've heard in a long time. Formed in Kinross last year, Sienna - all under twenty - are masters of the experimental and boast a soulful fusion of musical styles that demands attention. Check out standout tracks ‘Little Rich Boy’ and ‘Believe’ - top tunes that showcase the superb vocal talents of frontman Danny McAtear, offset perfectly by the sultry, bluesy harmonies of Stella Reilly. As fresh as anything out there.

Exclusive FREE download of "Better Off Dead" CLICK HERE

THE RISING - THE RISING (LP FEVIEW)

Introducing snarling Southampton songsmiths The Rising. Their debut album is the kind of down and dirty garage rock that early Oasis made famous, bursting with rock and roll passion and with more punk attitude that you can shag a stick at. Front man Tommy Overington does a great Liam impression and Alan McGee is suitably impressed, declaring 'he's a star', but these boys are much more than a mere tribute and have more than enough of their own unique stamp in the locker to succeed. Songs like 'Show Me The Money' and the bluesy, hammond-drenched 'Think Tank' are done with a swagger that soon quashes any cynicism - arrangements with the simplicity of The Sex Pistols and nods to great British guitar bands from across the decades like The Kinks and The Small Faces.

The Rising will celebrate the album launch at This Feeling at The Cellar, Southampton on Friday 10th May.

Listen to the LP at https://soundcloud.com/therisingband-1/sets/the-rising

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rising/246488712834

YOUNG KATO - 'SOMETHING REAL' (SINGLE)

Things are really moving fast for Young Kato...with a ripe old average age of eighteen, the band has already signed to BMG and has gigs under their belt as far afield as Russia. The sheer quality of this Cheltenham six-piece's music makes mockery of their tender years, too. Debut single 'Something Real' is the kind of pulverizing super-slick indie pop that Bloc Party excel at; edgy, synth-soaked dance/rock with front man Tommy Young's ferocious vocals setting it a cut above the rest. Young Kato begin a massive UK tour on May 21st in Bristol.

For more details go to www.facebook.com/weareyoungkato

Check out Young Kato performing at This Feeling earlier this year and get yourself a free download...

THE PIGEON DETECTIVES : THE BIG INTERVIEW

The Pigeon Detectives new album 'We Met At Sea' is out today! We caught up with the band ahead of their secret This Feeling show last month at the Queen of Hoxton...

There's a much more raw and live sound to the new album compared to 2011's 'Up Guards, And At 'Em'. Were you always aware of this when making the album?

We wrote the album on the back of a huge tour so we were definitely in a gig state of mind when we wrote this album. We made our reputation in the early days of the band as a great live act and for the 4th album we just wanted to remind people of the great energy you can get from the Pigeons. The 3rd album was definitely more of a 'studio' album and so with this one we wanted to achieved a more 'plug in and play vibe'.

Tell us a bit about the creative process... The songs seem more instinctive and unpredictable - a bit less polished perhaps... Was that the plan from the outset?

Definitely. We were just really excited in the practice studio bashing out these songs and we knew had a great energy. its easy for the soul of a song to kind of get destroyed in the studio process, what with doing a million takes and overdubs... We really wanted to capture the excitement we felt when we wrote the songs so we were very conscious of that when we approached the making of this album.

You recorded the album in Leeds with Andy Hawkins, who has worked with Kaiser Chiefs. How much of an influence did he have on shaping the 'live' sound?

Andy has been our front of house sound engineer since before we released the first album so he was the perfect choice for Producer of this album. Who better to capture the essence of a Pigeon Detectives gig than the guy that has looked after our live sound for so many years! We have a great relationship with Andy adn being as close as we are to him was certainly beneficial when recording this album. We all knew exactly what we wanted to achieve and pulled in the same direction.

Was it nice to be back home after recording in Brooklyn last time and how much do you think the setting shaped the record you made?

It was great to be recording this album in Leeds. We recorded our first album in Leeds so it was nice to spend time at home after years working away. We absolutely loved being in New York and it was the fulfillment of a career dream for all of us to be there recording an album, but I'd be lying if I said that the surroundings weren't distracting. Being at home in Leeds allowed us to be focused completely on the music.

The band has certainly stood the test of time during tough times for guitar bands in an increasingly ruthless industry. What do you put that success down to?

I think the fact that we are so close as friends has helped us when times get a bit testing. We're genuinely best friends who have known each other for more than 20 years and we have a 'us against the world' mentality. There's certainly an inherent throwaway attitude within the music industry and there are plenty of people willing to knock you down, but we've learnt over the years to keep doing what we enjoy and trust in the other 4 people in the band above all else. Above everything, we just love doing what we do and I think people see that when they listen to our songs and come to our gigs. We're aware of how lucky we are to make a living making music with your best mates and I think that has help us be resilient.

The Pigeon Detectives have their own record label - 'Dance To The Radio'. Does it take some of the pressure off when you get to be your own bosses?

This is the first record we have released away from DTTR. We're releasing it on Cooking Vinyl and we are very excited about working with them. Having our own label has, in the past enabled us all the freedom in the world, but it also comes with added pressure on the business side of the process. For this album we wanted to fully concentrate on being the artist and finally get help with the day to day nitty gritty parts of releasing an album.

Do you see a bright future for British guitar music... Any bands on your radar?

Despite the naysayers British guitar has always stood the test of time. Fads will come and go, but people will always love a good old guitar band. There's nothing more exciting than going to a sweaty rock and roll gig, or seeing a great guitar band headline a festival. That will never change. I've kind of been out of touch with new bands coming out of Britain over the last few months, but I'm looking forward to getting out on tour and checking out our support bands The Black Sea, Must and Hares. It's gonna be great.

You've played shows all over the world. What are your favourite cities to play away from British soil?

Scottish gigs are always great. Glasgow and Edinburgh never let us down. Home town gigs in Leeds are also a highlight of any tour. To be honest, we just love playing live. Its our favorite part about being in a band, so we love playing everywhere and we're very appreciative of our fans who continue to support us and come watch us wherever we play.

You're off on an extensive UK tour over the next month but what's next after that for The Pigeon Detectives?

We have a European tour straight off the back of the UK tour and then we hit festival season, which is always an exciting time. We have another UK tour coming up in the Autumn too. People we're upset that we missed out their hometown on this upcoming tour, so thats something we're going to try remedy on the Autumn tour.

Buy the album now

Exclusive FREE download of "Animal" (acoustic)

FINDLAY - 'OFF & ON' (SINGLE)

Obvious comparisons to be made with The Yeah Yeah Yeahs who are making a comeback at the moment, but Findlay is the better band at the moment no doubt. Starting like something from the soundtrack of a Tarantino Western, 'Off & On' saunters along suggestively, full of sleazy lyrical hooks ('I give you the goo that oozes, separate the scabs from the bruises') before launching into a truly massive chorus that leaves you breathless. Natalie Findlay's immersive voice screams rock and roll at every corner and totally dominates - a real star in the making.

For more details and free download of this track at go to www.findlaymusic.com

TWO WEEKS RUNNING - 'BEATS FOR THE HEART' (EP)

Get a taste of the brilliant Two Weeks Running and get yourself down to This Feeling in Manchester on Saturday for the band's EP launch gig. Since forming back in 2011 the Bolton quintet has made a name for themselves supporting well established acts like The Wombats and Reverend and The Makers, but now they're ready to take centre stage. This is full-throttle guitar pop with jagged beats, frantic rhythms and pulsating choruses. 'Stay Forever' and 'Get It Off' are like The Strokes mixed with The Jam with a twist of more contemporary influences like Bloc Party. Fiercely intelligent and very exciting music with loads of punk attitude.

Buy the EP HERE

For gigs & more info on the band head to www.facebook.com/twoweeksrunning

The EP launch night will take place at This Feeling at Manchester FAC251 on Saturday 20th April. Adv tickets, info & a free download from the band click HERE

THE BIG INTERVIEW - ORLANDO WELLS

A new version of renowned playwright Patrick Hamilton's 'The Duke In Darkness' is returning to the London stage for the first time in over 60 years. Hamilton, who achieved Hollywood success with Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rope', was a master of suspense, and his estate has granted permission to London-based playwright and actor Orlando Wells to bring the play to a whole new generation. This Feeling caught up for a chat with Orlando to talk about the play which is produced by XFM DJ and This Feeling regular, Lliana Bird...

Thanks for talking to us Orlando…

How much of an honour is it getting the nod from the Patrick Hamilton estate to adapt such a rarely seen play?

I came at Hamilton through the novels, Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky and Hangover Square, which I first read over a decade ago now. I fell in love with Hamilton then so to find Duke in Darkness and realise it hadn't been produced for so long, and then discover that the Estate might allow my version to be produced was tremendously thrilling. It's been a great honour.

But there's also a certain amount of pressure involved when adapting such a renowned playwright's work, right?

For sure. Hamilton is a master. Gaslight and Rope have proved that over the years with their countless revivals. I do think, however, that The Duke In Darkness lends itself to being adapted in a way that perhaps the other two don't. It's an unusual play, not simply an out and out thriller. It crosses several genres. It is a thriller yes, but it's also an analogy of the French occupation by the Nazis during the war and, perhaps most interestingly of all, a love story between two men.

Hamilton's 'lost' play hasn't been seen in 60 years… Did you have to do a lot of work adapting the play for the modern audience or did you stick closely to the original vision?

I have tried to stay true to Hamilton's intentions, themes and story. The main focus of my changes was to make the dialogue less verbose, more direct and muscular; to tease out the comedy; and highlight the love between the two central characters, which, being men, could only be suggested in 1943.

The play is set in a jail during the French civil war with a Duke and his servant plotting an escape during a time of great conspiracy and paranoia... Can we expect to see the same sort of character-driven, suspenseful thriller that defined Hamilton's most famous play which later became Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rope'?

To some extent, yes. But, for my money, The Duke In Darkness is more interesting than Rope. The Duke's dilemma, to choose between freedom and the one he loves, and the portrayal of the servant's decent into madness seem to have a vital ambiguity about them. I think it's that that makes the characters and situations seem so real.

As a playwright you have a reputation for having, along with a vivid imagination, a flair for the sinister, nightmarish and grotesque. Can we expect to see these traits in 'The Duke in Darkness'?

That's part of a quote from a review I had from my first play, The Tin Horizon, so I'm not quite sure that qualifies as a reputation. Nevertheless, I certainly hope that people will find this piece as compelling to watch as I have to work on. And yes, there are sinister and nightmarish aspects to it.

Hamilton lived in Chiswick, where the play opens, for 16 years and English Heritage recently installed a prestigious Blue Plaque at his address… how fitting is it to stage your production in a setting that's so steeped in Hamilton history?

Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky is set in seedy 1930s Chiswick and it's not an altogether flattering portrait. Clearly Chiswick is very different now, gentrified and smart as it is, but it's fascinating to see how London's changed. And there is a nice symmetry producing the show at the Tabard somehow. Hopefully Hamiton would approve.

We are sure he would. The play is ace, get yourself down to the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick from April 16th to May 11th. Tickets are on sale now - call 0208 995 6035 or book online HERE

Watch the trailer HERE

GLASVEGAS - 'I'D RATHER BE DEAD (THAN BE WITH YOU)'

The first taste of Glasvegas' forthcoming third album ‘Later…When The TV Turns To Static’ is a lyrically bitter but beautifully tender ballad that shows that there's real musical depth to this band. Released on their own Go Wow Records label 'I'd Rather Be Dead…' is emotionally charged stuff with an achingly heartfelt and genuinely affecting vocal performance from frontman James Allen. The piano accompaniment is delicate but fittingly intense and the haunting spoken sections work perfectly in the context of the song. Superb stuff, can't wait to hear the album...

For gigs & music head to https://www.facebook.com/glasvegas

SULK - 'GRACELESS' (LP REVIEW)

Sulk could be set to make a real impact judging by the quality of debut album 'Graceless'. Produced in Brussels by former Suede, Pulp and White Lies associate Ed Buller, the record picks up precisely where the 90s left off, and this London-based five piece has certainly got swirling psychedelia down to an absolute tee. 'Back In Bloom' and 'Flowers' are epic indie songs built for stadiums - unmistakably British with giant riffs reminiscent of Suede's Bernard Butler in his pomp and full of joyous flower-power harmonies. 'Wish' proudly lays bare its influences, born out of a love of all things Madchester, boasting the baggiest of grooves complete with fluttering tambourines and supremely psychedelic guitars punctuated with meandering Squire-esque licks. The musicianship and songs mean 'Graceless' is much more than just a mere product of its obvious influences. By no means a tacky tribute, but quite the opposite instead - a brightly glowing homage.

For gigs & more info head to www.sulktheband.com

STUART NETHERCOTT - FOOTBALLER FOCUS

Top 5 Bands

1) Oasis 2) Kasabian 3) Stone roses 4) Faithless 5) Arctic Monkeys

Albums of the Moment

1) Jake Bugg 2) Black Keys 3) Noel Gallagher

Last Gig You Went To

Black Keys o2 Arena December '12.

Best Football Song

Celtic fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" at Celtic Park before the Barcelona game.

Biggest Zone

I've had plenty of lock ins and getting swept up by the cleaners on a sunday. Plus plenty of sleep deprivation at the V Festival.

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The Spurs Legends team returns to Highams Park near Chingford this Sunday (April 14), keen to repeat the victory they achieved at the same venue 18 months ago.

The team of ex-White Hart Lane favourites, which regularly features the likes of Darren Anderton, Mark Falco and Paul Miller, are set to take on West Essex FC as they look to extend their winning run in 2013. 2pm KO. £3 entry, pay on the day.

There's also the chance to WIN Peter Crouch's box at Stoke City for the Spurs game (May 12th), VIP Hard Rock Calling tickets, VIP tickets to the o2 Arena, a round for 2 at The Grove & loads more.

For more info click HERE

FILTHY BOY - THE BIG INTERVIEW

Exactly how filthy are you?

Not very. We shower together regularly.

Your album's been released… How does it feel to finally have all your songs out there?

We’re all proud of what we made, but some of the songs we’ve had for a while so we’re glad they’re out there and people can hear them. We’re mostly excited about the new songs.

Your songs are proper stories… who comes up these great lyrics and how do the ideas come about?

We both pretty much come up with the lyrics if one of us has an idea. Jimmie Jammies came from seeing that our nan and grandad slept in single beds which seemed like a good idea for a song.

Some of the words are hilarious. Are you trying be funny when you write them or does that just come naturally?

We just don’t really take it that seriously because its just making words rhyme. We just started doing it to amuse ourselves. When we're writing the idea only really starts to take shape if we're laughing about it.

The album has a live sound with minimal production effects which really lets the music and lyrics shine through. Have you always favoured the unfussy approach in the studio?

We recorded it really quickly and just wanted to get it down. We never really bother messing around with effects. It’s never been something we’ve had a desire to do. We just making the songs together. Its more fun for us to make them with tunes than through effects.

Which bands/artists have been the main influences on your music?

We grew up listening to Eminem a lot through primary school and grew up around stuff like the fall and nick cave which we developed an ear for. We were also big into soundtracks.
We only later on started liking more indie band stuff probably from being in a band.

Critics have compared Filthy Boy vocally/lyrically to Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) and Jarvis Cocker (Pulp). Are these people you admire?

To be honest we don't know that much of their music beyond their big songs but we're obviously aware of the comparisons and it's not a bad thing at all.

What has been your favourite Filthy Boy gig so far?

Probably the first open mic in the Ivy House in Nunhead. There was three people there but they were really into it.

Any plans for a full UK tour this year?

We hope so.

Have you started work on the second album yet?

Yeah we have. We're looking forward to it.

As are we. But first, be sure to tuck into the first album. Buy it HERE now! Watch Filthy Boy performing "Jimmy Jammies" earlier this year at This Feeling...

THE PIGEON DETECTIVES - 'WE MET AT SEA' (LP REVIEW)

In comparison to the juggernaut top-five success that was their debut album and follow-up, the reception to The Pigeon Detectives' third album was decidedly lukewarm. Happily, though, 'We Met At Sea', the band's fourth long-player, recorded in their home city of Leeds, is something of a return to form - an honest and immediate album that perfectly captures the band's trademark live energy. Opening track and first single from the album 'Animal' features everything the band does well - clever shifting tempos, abundantly creative guitar lines and urgent rhythms married with the catchy vocal hooks of singer Matt Bowman. 'I Won't Come Back' and 'Hold Your Gaze' continue the relentless pace with crashing percussion and driving guitars fusing with memorable vocal harmonies. 'Light Me Up' - a thoughtfully put together summertime pop tune that could easily pass as an Ibiza floor-filler if given the remix treatment - stays just the right of cheesy, while 'Can't You Find Me?' and 'Where Are You' call to mind the kind of straight up no messing indie rock that The Rifles do so well. Album highlight, the aptly named 'Unforgettable' is a dark, stuttering classic that Interpol would be proud of, full of propulsive bass and beats, masterful chiming guitar harmonies and boasting a truly massive, thumping finale. The Pigeon Detectives embark on a full UK tour at the end of this month ...

The new album 'We Met At Sea' released April 29th. Pre-Order signed CD from
www.thepigeondetectives.com

FILTHY BOY - 'SMILE THAT WON"T GO DOWN' (LP REVIEW)

Filthy Boy is a band that, as the album title suggests, will make you smile. Not a big, beaming Cheshire cat grin, more of twisted and sinister kind of delight instead. These lurid London lads make music that tells a story. Songs like 'That Life'; superior lyrically ('my wife is so pretty, so lovely and kind, phenomenal titties, the firmest behind'), delivered with a certain nonchalance that's just so appealing. 'Biggest Fan Ever' is hilarious, often downright rude - all scratchy guitars and raunchy rhythms combined with the kind of razor-sharp Brit-wit that we've come to expect from great British bands like Pulp and The Arctic Monkeys. The music is laid back and understated (not an effect to be found), allowing front man Paraic Morrissey's macabre musings to take the spotlight, but underpinned with a raw energy that's utterly engaging. One of the best debut albums of the year so far.

For gigs, info & music go to www.facebook.com/FilthyBoyPage

THE HOLY GHOSTS - 'VOODOO SHAKEDOWN' (EP)

After bursting onto the Scottish alternative scene thanks to storming sets supporting The View, Edinburgh five-piece The Holy Ghosts continue to impress with their Voodoo Shakedown EP. 'When We Were Kings' is life-affirming country rock with a big nod to The Rolling Stones, played with the kind of assuredness you'd expect from more established artists of the genre like Ryan Adams, let alone a band that's together barely a year. Rhythmic piano and guitar parts expertly interweave, embellished with sweet hammond organ and classic country harmonies. Produced by Owen Morris (Oasis, The Verve, The View), already there's a strut and swagger about these boys you just can't ignore on this EP.

The Holy Ghosts play This Feeling Glasgow & Edinburgh the weekend of 5th and 6th April. Adv tickets HERE

Buy the EP

BILL RYDER-JONES - 'HE TOOK YOU IN HIS ARMS' (SINGLE)

Bill Ryder-Jones is following fellow ex-Coral men James and Ian Skelly into the solo game. Recorded in his old bedroom at his family house in Liverpool, 'He Took You In His Arms' (taken from the forthcoming album 'A Bad Wind Blows In My Heart') is a tender and melodic piano ballad with yearning almost whispered vocals and nicely understated accompaniment from Bill's friends - Liverpool band By The Sea. Judging by this, the album should be brilliant.

JAMES SKELLY & THE INTENDERS - 'DO IT AGAIN' (SINGLE)

It's been three years since The Coral's last album, but front man James Skelly certainly hasn't been resting on his laurels. Recorded live in just a few takes at his old band's rehearsal space in The Wirral, Skelly's first solo release is as much about the band, including members of Tramp Attack and The Sundowners, as it is about James and his new songs. In Skelly's own words, 'These songs are really direct, straight to the point', and he's right; sharp, instant, no messing blues rock and roll, full of poppy 'Spirit In The Sky'-style riffing, raunchy saxophones and classy backing vocals from The Sundowners' girls. Debut album 'Love Undercover' is due to land Monday June 3rd followed by a full UK tour. We can't wait!

Free download at www.jamesskellyandtheintenders.com

CHINA RATS - 'NIP IT IN THE BUD' (SINGLE)

Leeds four-piece China Rats currently causing quite a stir in SXSW continue to impress, serving up a tasty helping of dirty, scuzzy garage rock with nods to glorious guitar music of yesteryear. Fuzzed-up vocals take centre stage with some nice old school 60s harmonies cutting though the hysteria. Rock and roll attitude and retro pop appeal is a potent mix that China Rats clearly possess in abundance.

For gigs & music go to www.facebook.com/chinarats

LAZYTALK - 'LUZAVILLE' (EP)

Original and refreshing but steeped in that familiar London sound, LAZYTALK is here to make you dance. Produced by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes, The Libertines), the band's 'Luzaville' EP gloriously unites a raucous garage rock sound with the super-slick hypnotic drawl of two former Jungle MCs fronting the band; and it does so to mesmerising effect. The title track throbs with pure punk attitude reminiscent of Swedish maestros The Hives with clever social commentary that's bound to draw comparisons with a certain Sheffield band. But Lazytalk is much more than just a product of it's influences. 'Advert' mixes hip-hop and life affirming reggae with great lyricism ('there ain't much left that you can't buy, except for maybe the sky') to form an exciting and distinctive sound, while the angst-ridden 'Without You' combines shifting rhythms and superbly bitter wordplay along with the kind of raw rock and roll energy that makes guitar music great. Bold and and resolutely British.

EP available to download free HERE

COVES @ BIRTHDAYS (LIVE REVIEW)

Leamington Spa's COVES were on fire at Birthdays, Dalston, London on Wednesday. Tipped by us in January to be "Big in 2013" take it from us, this is one band you need to see. The band rattled through an impressive array of stoned but effortlessly stylish songs, including the majestic 'Cast A Shadow', the fractured but relentlessly inventive 'Run With Me', the shimmering psych-rock of 'No Ladder' and impressive recent single 'Last Desire'. Beck Wood has a bewitching stage presence you just can't take your eyes off; a seductive rock temptress who just oozes charisma, and the music - full of filthy, grinding riffs, cool electronica and synth-soaked wig-outs - is formidable.

For more details go to www.facebook.com/covesband

THE D.O.T - 'HOW WE ALL LIE' (SINGLE REVIEW)

This meeting of musical minds was always guaranteed to get better with time and 'How We All Lie' represents a real step up from The D.O.T. With both halves of the duo on vocal duties, Rob Harvey's wonderfully battered, bruised delivery forms a perfect counterpoint to Mike Skinner's charming boyish tones in this tender and melodic ballad. The arrangement - melding pop sensibilities with razor-sharp dance production - is expertly crafted, too, with sparse piano sitting on top of inventive drum and synth loops; a cacophony of styles meshed together with real flair. If this is anything to go by, the new album ('Diary', out May 6th) should be an absolute joy.

EVIL ALIEN 'HIGHER THAN THE SUN' (SINGLE)

Birmingham's Evil Alien has released a seriously raunchy video to accompany new song, 'Higher Than The Sun'. Dark and intense from the outset with nonchalant vocals cutting across epic strings and stuttering synths, the song launches into a truly euphoric chorus (I'll take you higher than the sun, looking down the barrel of your gun') that Primal Scream would be proud of...

For more info go to https://www.facebook.com/evilalienbrum