Worried about the future of guitar music? Fear not . . .
Well, we've all had to endure the cauldron of lacklustre and woefully whimsy electronically based music in the last few years, but all that is about to change, as we give you a heads up on the hottest, brightest and down right grittiest guitar bands out there right now. Yes, many may have already waded through the murky waters of rock 'n' roll in recent times, however we believe that these valuable sources of musical brilliance have all but dried up recently, with the pale and predictable being stuck on the lips of every 'alternative' radio DJ up and down the land.
Take our hands, as we help to unblock those rock laden arteries that have been clogged up for far too long with the humdrum, mediocre and seriously overrated. At The Funky Moped, we believe that the greatest method of achieving this is by pouring fuel onto the fire, so we've lined up 10 axe wielding outfits who've recited the rock 'n' roll mantra and are ready to restore your faith in the sacred religion of guitar music.
The Bluebottle Veins
Hailing from over the boarder in North Wales, 'The Bluebottle Veins' are, even to their own admission, rediscovering a sound that has lay dormant for too long. This four piece certainly do abide by this statement, by delivering pure rock 'n' roll brutality that has been pepper sprayed with the blues.
Their sleazy guitar licks sound so powerful it's as if they've been fired out of a fully loaded six shooter, causing damage to everybody and everything inside the joint. Being both chaotic and reserved "Raindrop Blues" is the perfect example of this, with nods in every direction to riff dominating bands such as 'The Gun Club' and 'The White Stripes'.
It appears that 'The Bluebottle Veins' have created something very special and unique from a musical recipe that has already seen its fair share of winners and losers. Just to add another string to their already covered bow, their tune "Resentment Song" features a singer who provides one of the most original voices we've heard in a while, imagine a sixties 'Marc Bolan' having a love child with a drugged up 'Miles Kane' then you're half way there. 'The Bluebottle Veins' appear to be a band that have the wind in their musical sails, to which we know they're going to have a massive 2013.
Skeleton Suite
If we chose not to tip our hats to this guitar ensemble, we'd be sure to find ourselves in court on trial for crimes against musical taste . . . having already found themselves at the summit of most of the 'ones to watch in 2013' lists, 'Skeleton Suite' are one of these bands that you simply cannot ignore.
Seen to be playing most of their debut EP on the rev limiter and within a whisker of natural catastrophe, 'Skeleton Suite' complete with their tyrannosaurus sized riffs, appears to have flooded their amps with dynamite, making it seem difficult to believe that this band have only been performing live for a couple of months now.
Their raw, dynamic and wonderfully produced tones are a match makers heaven for anything quintessentially British or American, with "Nothing better than the English weather" being the offspring of 'Kasabian' and 'Interpol'. The monumental tones of
"mediocre poetry" is a must listen, lurking within the shadows
of a 'U2' inspired riff which eventually erupts into an
epic crescendo of superb drumming and feedback highly reminiscent of 'The
Who'.
If you find yourself flagging during your day, having a listen to 'Skeleton Suite' will definitely get you back on the rails. However, stronger than a conventional cup of coffee or even a double espresso, their EP is reminiscent of downing 11 whiskeys and taking half an E - it's megor!
'The Bluebottle Veins - Raindrop Blues'
Skeleton Suite
If we chose not to tip our hats to this guitar ensemble, we'd be sure to find ourselves in court on trial for crimes against musical taste . . . having already found themselves at the summit of most of the 'ones to watch in 2013' lists, 'Skeleton Suite' are one of these bands that you simply cannot ignore.
Seen to be playing most of their debut EP on the rev limiter and within a whisker of natural catastrophe, 'Skeleton Suite' complete with their tyrannosaurus sized riffs, appears to have flooded their amps with dynamite, making it seem difficult to believe that this band have only been performing live for a couple of months now.
If you find yourself flagging during your day, having a listen to 'Skeleton Suite' will definitely get you back on the rails. However, stronger than a conventional cup of coffee or even a double espresso, their EP is reminiscent of downing 11 whiskeys and taking half an E - it's megor!
'Skeleton Suite - Mediocre Poetry'
Drenge
It has become apparent that Sheffield siblings Rory and Eoin have long ditched their previous existence of piano ballads and barn dances, and have instead opted for a six string beauty, a couple of drumsticks as well as a snarling rock 'n' roll attitude. As a result 'Drenge' was formed, a rip roaring no holds bar duo who sense each song as being a potential war zone, thus leading to some adrenaline enhanced antics amongst their listeners.
The debut single "Dogmeat", paints the perfect picture of the pumped up and gloves off mentality that 'Drenge' posses, with a barrage of visceral guitar riffs being consumed by every inch of your mind. On top of this, there is enough aggression in the percussion to knock the stuffing right out of you, leaving any victim bedridden for days. Their blend of ballsy garage rock and sweat covered hardcore, results in a hugely attractive vibe, drawing up comparisons to '22-20s' as well as South Yorkshire's answer of 'The Black Keys'.
Other tracks such as "I Wanna Break You In Half" and "People In Love Make Me Feel Yuck" again exposure the menacing side of 'Drenge', in which they're guaranteed to be tearing down a couple of walls in a venue near you over the next 12 or so months. However, all this pent up aggression is, rather oddly, juxtaposed with some hilarious DIY music videos that are certainly worth a butchers on their own.
The Balcony Stars
Only coming to the surface every so often to release a shiny new EP or play the odd live gig, 'The Balcony Stars' are a Liverpudlian band seen to be etched in mystique, coming across as a tough cookie to crack for many an observer. Classed as a psych-pop punk band, 'The Balcony Stars' have been in existence for a while now, having provided a number of critically acclaimed EP's.
However, the release of their latest record "Electric Lazarus" has tantalised our musical taste buds so much that their inclusion onto The Funky Moped has become virtually inevitable. Exciting, engrossing and stifled with enough hallucinogenic harmonies you'll be tripping all the way to Benicassim, 'The Balcony Stars' finally prove they can cut the mustard with the big boys of lo-fi psychedelic pop.
With an amalgamation of influences which book end the Atlantic ocean, you can expect to hear glimpses of 'The Velvet Underground', 'Spaceman 3' as well as slight glazes of 'Kasabian', especially on the track "Amen Sense". This band are certainly worth checking out, plus their EP, the one that we've been bangin' on about, is available to download free.
'Drenge - Dogmeat'
The Balcony Stars
Only coming to the surface every so often to release a shiny new EP or play the odd live gig, 'The Balcony Stars' are a Liverpudlian band seen to be etched in mystique, coming across as a tough cookie to crack for many an observer. Classed as a psych-pop punk band, 'The Balcony Stars' have been in existence for a while now, having provided a number of critically acclaimed EP's.
However, the release of their latest record "Electric Lazarus" has tantalised our musical taste buds so much that their inclusion onto The Funky Moped has become virtually inevitable. Exciting, engrossing and stifled with enough hallucinogenic harmonies you'll be tripping all the way to Benicassim, 'The Balcony Stars' finally prove they can cut the mustard with the big boys of lo-fi psychedelic pop.
With an amalgamation of influences which book end the Atlantic ocean, you can expect to hear glimpses of 'The Velvet Underground', 'Spaceman 3' as well as slight glazes of 'Kasabian', especially on the track "Amen Sense". This band are certainly worth checking out, plus their EP, the one that we've been bangin' on about, is available to download free.
'The Balcony Stars - Black Palm Flower'
The Boston Tea Party
Sprouting from Dundee, 'The Boston Tea Party' play music that transports a slice of traditional southern coated splendour to an array of Scottish ears. Sharing a mutual passion for everything roots, blues, folk and rock 'n' roll related, this four piece open up the treasure trove of timeless noise and bring it to attention in such an effortless way.
Their self titled EP is definitely worth a listen and it's full of them songs that will have you believing that you've heard them before somewhere, but trust us you haven't, 'The Boston Tea Party' are that good. Highlights are certainly "Down This Road Again" and "Lay Me Down", which are frantic, fast paced as well as featuring enough instruments to shake a proverbial stick at. Ok, so writing songs about 'losing all your money down in a Mississippi town' may seem a little far fetched for a tiny venue nestled in the darkest corner of Dundee, but like this band, it's ambitious and totally wide reaching . . . plus they love whiskey, what's not to like.
By drawing up comparisons to similar artists, we are also delivering one hell of a vital history lesson on classic rock, but nevertheless early shades of 'Fleetwood Mac', 'Creedance Clearwater Revival' and 'Cream' are largely prominent within the majority of their tunes. However, when 'The Boston Tea Party' often descend off into the sunset in a blaze of twelve bar blues glory you can't help but picture 'BB King', or better still, a wild west saloon.
'The Boston Tea Party - Lay Me Down'
Lost Avenue
By stabbing rock music in the back with a deadly dosage of blood thirsty punk, new Northern Irish troupe 'Lost Avenue' are a band who are aiming to follow in the same musical direction of fellow punk pioneers and countrymen 'Stiff Little Fingers'.
With enough raw guitar power to blow the hinges off a door and leave Jumpin Jack Flash flat on his arse, 'Lost Avenue' definitely deliver that fresh punk / garage rock crossover vibe we've all been longing for in the last few years. Their debut EP "Ethanol" certainly shines a light on their talented songwriting skills, to which we are all in safe hands. As a wall of well crafted feedback lurks over each track, the band naturally snake charm melodies into place to create some boisterous and blistering sounding noise.
"See Right Through It" presents everything that you might expect from these Derry dynamos, an agitated destruction of guitars and percussion much like 'The Undertones' as well as an engrossing voice that's inspired by 'Placebo' lead vocalist Brian Molko. Single "Ethanol" is probably the pick of the bunch as it clearly gives us all a glimpse to the abilities and potential longevity of 'Lost Avenue' as a future band.
'Lost Avenue - Ethanol'
The Strypes
After leaving Derry and travelling 90 or so miles south we embark upon picturesque Cavan, of which is the home of our next band, a hugely talented quartet called 'The Strypes'. Having just recently penned a multi-album deal with record label giants Mercury, these 4 lads with an average age of about 16, appear to reject any tune that has been written after the mid sixties. With a sound more synonymous to their grandparent's era, 'The Strypes' arm themselves with one hell of a vintage rhythm and blues sound that is more likely to be heard chiming out of the Cavern rather than Cavan.
Playing homage to a host of American and English influences including 'The Who', 'Chuck Berry' and 'The Animals', this band declare themselves as being the antithesis of modern music and it's easy to see why, as they look extremely dapper being cladded head to toe in matching suits, shades and boots. The opening track from their debut EP "Young, Gifted and Blue", "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" captures everything that's so amazing about this band, with it's fast paced no nonsense mentality, this song fiercely erupts into a fine jangle of rhythm and blues that's sure to witness your greatest, and most embarrassing, dance moves.
"Blue Collar Jane" is another one of them tunes that will have your feet tapping and knees trembling, not just from the dazzling beat, but also from McClorey's technical and simply untouchable guitar playing that's even had the modfather himself, 'Paul Weller' shitting a brick and upping his game because of it. Throwing the odd cover in for good measure (well 'The Beatles' used to and they did alright), boy 'The Strypes' can play! With the bass, drums, guitar and harmonic constantly tangled in a Mexican standoff of noise in order to be heard the loudest.
This is one of those rare occasions where we could talk till the cows come home about the future potential of this band, so we'll shut up and let you all decide. Currently plotting their own UK and European tour, keep those ears peeled as the sound of 'The Strypes' is gonna' be huge.
SlyDigs
Taking rock music by the scruff of its neck and then rubbing its face in a muddy gutter, 'SlyDigs' have become one of the hottest and most underrated bands to emerge out of the North West in recent years. Decked out with a heap of supercharged lip curling charisma as well as a coolness that just oozes out from every pour, this rock 'n' roll four piece supply songs that will hit square on the chin leaving you dazed, confused but still wanting a whole lot more.
The cravat sporting last gang in town, have already conjured up an album of magic, that flirts with the sonics of 'The Rolling Stones' and brushes shoulders with the likes of 'Jet' and 'Arctic Monkeys'. The filthy foot stomping rock 'n' roll presented by 'SlyDigs' is bundled into bite-size pockets of feedback and energy that instantly give you thrills, spills and illegal pills you've come to expect from a band of this calibre.
Track such as "Worth Your Weight In Gold", "The Love That Keeps On Giving" and "Bang Bang & The Bullet Was Gone" are catchy as well as brimmed with an ocean of flare and attitude. With rasping vocals added to a portion of relentless guitar riffs, 'SlyDigs' play with their musical hearts on their sleeve, to which we bloody dig.
Turrentine Jones
Although more Hammond than hammer-on, we are still certain that 'Turrentine Jones' are one of those bands that will rekindle your affinity with the electric axe in 2013. Having already smashed every expectation placed on their smoky blues covered shoulders into fine pieces, this Mancunian based three piece do their best to take rock 'n' blues to another level of beauty and grace.
The swirling 'Booker T' inspired organ is placed at the forefront of their phenomenal sound, with Julian's sultry vocals arriving straight from the 60's that is then tightly underpinned by some tender guitar licks. Recent singles "Show Me Mercy", "Slam the door" as well as new single "Della May", are a world away from a traditional swaggering Mancunian outfit, but the sonics of 'Turrentine Jones' are effortless, refreshing and totally unique.
"Blue Collar Jane" is another one of them tunes that will have your feet tapping and knees trembling, not just from the dazzling beat, but also from McClorey's technical and simply untouchable guitar playing that's even had the modfather himself, 'Paul Weller' shitting a brick and upping his game because of it. Throwing the odd cover in for good measure (well 'The Beatles' used to and they did alright), boy 'The Strypes' can play! With the bass, drums, guitar and harmonic constantly tangled in a Mexican standoff of noise in order to be heard the loudest.
This is one of those rare occasions where we could talk till the cows come home about the future potential of this band, so we'll shut up and let you all decide. Currently plotting their own UK and European tour, keep those ears peeled as the sound of 'The Strypes' is gonna' be huge.
'The Strypes - You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover'
SlyDigs
Taking rock music by the scruff of its neck and then rubbing its face in a muddy gutter, 'SlyDigs' have become one of the hottest and most underrated bands to emerge out of the North West in recent years. Decked out with a heap of supercharged lip curling charisma as well as a coolness that just oozes out from every pour, this rock 'n' roll four piece supply songs that will hit square on the chin leaving you dazed, confused but still wanting a whole lot more.
Track such as "Worth Your Weight In Gold", "The Love That Keeps On Giving" and "Bang Bang & The Bullet Was Gone" are catchy as well as brimmed with an ocean of flare and attitude. With rasping vocals added to a portion of relentless guitar riffs, 'SlyDigs' play with their musical hearts on their sleeve, to which we bloody dig.
'SlyDigs - The Love That Keeps On Giving'
Turrentine Jones
Although more Hammond than hammer-on, we are still certain that 'Turrentine Jones' are one of those bands that will rekindle your affinity with the electric axe in 2013. Having already smashed every expectation placed on their smoky blues covered shoulders into fine pieces, this Mancunian based three piece do their best to take rock 'n' blues to another level of beauty and grace.
The swirling 'Booker T' inspired organ is placed at the forefront of their phenomenal sound, with Julian's sultry vocals arriving straight from the 60's that is then tightly underpinned by some tender guitar licks. Recent singles "Show Me Mercy", "Slam the door" as well as new single "Della May", are a world away from a traditional swaggering Mancunian outfit, but the sonics of 'Turrentine Jones' are effortless, refreshing and totally unique.
The fact that they recently picked up
two gongs from the Exposure Music Awards and even peaked at number thirteen in
the Australian charts is testament to their talents and future potential. If rousing harmonies that live on the edge are your thing, then we recommend getting your eyes and
ears wrapped around 'The Velvet Underground' inspired 'Turrentine
Jones'.
'Turrentine Jones - Slam The Door'
Holy Esque
Even prior to the release of their eagerly awaited debut EP, Glaswegian 'Holy Esque' had already been championed as being one of the best new bands to emerge out of Scotland in quite some time. Having developed their own distinguished breed of indie rock that eclipses the sonics of professional deep thinkers 'Echo And The Bunneymen', this quartet will have the hair standing up on the back of your neck in no time.
As you've already guessed, once their self titled EP was introduced to the world, hype and expectation levels soared right off the Richter scale, catching the band on their heels. Well, after just a couple of plays it's evident to see why, with brooding guitars that cascade at the slightest opportunity, a sky scrapper of mindblowing noise is created, acting as the background to the entire record. Reminiscent of 'Rod Stewart' and 'James Dean Bradfield', Pat's gravel pit voice is bold, peculiar and certainly adds another musical dimension to this brilliant band, especially on stand out single "Tear".
Giving the likes of Facebook and Twitter the big fuck off, 'Holy Esque' actively believe that gaining a mountain of likes and followers will do nothing to sell to records. With this is mind, the band pursue playing gigs to as many people in as many weird and wonderful places as possible, even in an old Soviet Union theatre at one point (as you do!).
As per usual, we know we've been able to relinquish your healthy appetite for modern guitar music with the introduction of 10 of the most exciting and original outfits to come out of the UK and Ireland in recent times. So let us rejoice and immerse ourselves in their brilliance as we stick two fingers up to the rest!
Until next time,
See you at the bar,
BJF x
Giving the likes of Facebook and Twitter the big fuck off, 'Holy Esque' actively believe that gaining a mountain of likes and followers will do nothing to sell to records. With this is mind, the band pursue playing gigs to as many people in as many weird and wonderful places as possible, even in an old Soviet Union theatre at one point (as you do!).
'Holy Esque - Tear'
As per usual, we know we've been able to relinquish your healthy appetite for modern guitar music with the introduction of 10 of the most exciting and original outfits to come out of the UK and Ireland in recent times. So let us rejoice and immerse ourselves in their brilliance as we stick two fingers up to the rest!
Until next time,
See you at the bar,
BJF x
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