Drumroll please! After weeks of build up we can now proudly announce our third six of the best, a collection of our favourite unsigned local acts (this picture of Freemaker might be a clue for one of them!).
Our reviewing team have picked the bands they love from widely different genres, which have very different sounds, but the thing that unites them is quality. They are all excellent musicians and songwriters, and we think they encapsulate the best of the Merseyside sound right now.
Have a listen to these guys on MySpace and let us know what you think...
Great Northwestern Hoboes
Just the sort of catchy, bright and breezy sound that sums up the Nu-Scouse sound, suffused with optimism and a clear love of life. Jingly jangly guitars, crisp punchy drumming and an array of interesting instruments, ranging from banjo and fiddle to that great favorite, the washboard, give this band a rich full sound. Their sheer musicality is complemented by fab vocals, bringing you back for another listen, and another, and another, until you are well and truly hooked on this likeable band and their thoroughly enjoyable music.
Standout song: Reveille
www.myspace.com/greatnorthwesternhoboes
The Pedantics
With an impressive array of gigs under their belts and a sound straight from the heart of the city, it can’t be long before these lads have the world at their feet. Their elegantly anthemic indie tunes, demonstrate a fantastic ability to perform fresh, uptempo songs that stick in your head all day.
Standout song: Walkin'
Freemaker
Freemaker’s songs sparkle with sublime melodies, driving guitar hooks and crashing drum beats, and Andrew Metcalf’s soaring vocals mark them out as ones to watch. Catch them tonight, hosting the Big Bang at Zanzibar, and be impressed.
Standout song: The Gates
www.myspace.com/freemaker
Rachel Wright
The lovely voice of Rachel Wright reminds a little of K.D. Laing, but with a sweetness that somehow recalls the much missed Sandy Denny, her voice also has Joni Mitchell like flourishes of raw power that take the songs to another level. Rachel’s gorgeous acoustic music crosses boundaries, soaring on musical wings that will surely take her wherever she wants to go. LIPA first, and then the wonderful blue beyond.
Standout song: Black Horse and Me
www.myspace.com/rachaelwrightmusic
Cheapskate
Cheapskate is something special - Bluenote music with a Scouse accent - and there is really nothing else like it! This is feel good music, packed with humour, originality, and exhuberance. Cheapskate is ploughing his own furrow, following no one’s lead, just doing his own thing, and having a whale of a time doing it, as all the most interesting, creative people do. Beneath the cheery surface is a very talented musician. Do not underestimate him – for he is mighty good!
Standout song: You Know
www.myspace.com/jamandbungle
Mirrorball
Fabulously groovy, with marvellous vocals, superb musicianship, and bewitching songs, this band twinkles as brightly as any mirrorball. With their effortlessly superior psychedelic/progressive music, they bring to mind the long lost glories of Sid Barrett’s Floyd, and of Cream, Camel, and Caravan, but there’s nothing retro or clichéd about them, they are as fresh as the daisy I suddenly feel the need to wear in my hair! Marvellous stuff to dance and dream and love by.
Standout song: Heavy Lemon
Comments (1)
Posted by Nik | July 27, 2007 2:27 PM
Posted on July 27, 2007 14:27