Newcastle 02 Academy
2nd December 09

It is always great to discover a band in amongst support slots. I had heard great things about the main act, Pains of being pure at heart and there was an air of expectation when the main support arrived. The Depreciation Guild were not on my radar and I was blown away by their electro fuelled shoegazing. It was a refreshing blast from the NYC based trio and made me want to search out more about this outfit. It is always good when you are taken by surprise by a band and you are facinated by their My Bloody Valentine mixed with Warp records electronica undertones. It is rare to say this but I felt they outshone Pains of being pure at heart and they must be tip for crossover success in 2010.

www.thedepreciationguild.com
www.myspace.com/thedepreciationguild

We're All In This Together
Gift Of The Gab

Gabby Young a classically trained and from Wiltshire is backed by her 8-piece band Other Animals covers a wide gamut of the musical genre. As they successfully combine pop, folk, and indie pop laced with succulent jazz flavours. ‘Whose House’ for one has not produces a varied sound as a carnival-esque feel is added to the usual hustle and bustle, complete with rousing harmony vocals to go with her expansive vocal tones.

Leaves Lo
Five Records

Australian-born Ben is a natural singer-songwriter talent. After touring with the band Ruby’s grace, alongside his brother Sam and making two albums and two EPs down in he moved to Glasgow in 2006 and has been there ever since. In some ways he reminds me of Scottish act James Grant, only thing the young Ben is easier to listen to, and through his intimate production and gliding vocals breaks down barriers others don’t.

Wonderful easy on the ear pop folk that enjoy engaging qualities that border on addiction make you want to check out the album from which the single hails.

www.myspace.com/bentdmusic

Strange Glory
Brille Records

Lucas Renney, former frontman of XL signed Sunderland pop band The Golden Virgins has recently released a solo LP on Brille records, home to The Knife and Envelopes amongst others. Strange Glory is out now on CD and all digital formats. The album was produced by former Cocteau Twin and now Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde and features various members of Midlake alongside Stephanie Dosen on backing vocals and orchestral arrangements by Fiona Brice.

The album is very melodic, memorable and beautifully arranged, the songs poetic and reflective, with an autumnal feel to them. The album is reminiscent of Richard Hawley and Elvis Costello at their best and on the whole comparable to a classic from Will Oldham or Leonard Cohen. To listen to a selection of tracks and find out about forthcoming live shows, go to Lucas' Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/lucasrenney