New Music

Local Natives - Breakers
I first came across Local Natives because I thought they were supporting Arcade Fire in Manchester last August. The first time I listened to Wide Eyes I fell in love with it, so you can imagine my disappointment when it was Noah and the Whale supporting instead. With 'Breakers' the quartet have achieved perfection yet again. From the offset it grips you like a drowning man clinging onto his life jacket  it then throws you amongst the swirling 'oohs'. There's a  nod to their debut, Gorilla Manor here and their faultless, heavenly harmonies descend amongst an eruption of militant drums. 

Jaws - Surround You

If I said that I was knowledgable about the music scene in Birmingham I would be lying, although, didn't UB40 come from there? You can't escape the references bandied about to B-Town recently, I quite like Swim Deep and Peace, but Jaws are another Brummie band mentioned in the same breath. 'Surround You' has a strong electronic influence and makes you feel as if you're transported back to the last time we had some glistening sunshine - this is the perfect soundtrack.

Girls Aloud - Something New

I love Girls Aloud. I loved them ever since they appeared on Popstars: The Rivals and released Sound of the Underground. 3 years since they released 'Untouchable' , 'Something New' is a pop gem. Kimberley and Nicola adopt the duties that Mel B had in the Spice Girls hit 'Wannabee'. Everyone knows how tricky it is to master that bit. About half way through as Nadine shouts 'do what I want / yeah I like it like that' is my favourite moment as it propels you back into the infectious chorus. The track climaxes on their collective chant and a statement to all the other girl bands out there, Girls Aloud are the leaders of the pack -  Little Mix can you handle that?