In the Loop Monthly New Music Guide
Written by Tamsin Cook

So here we find ourselves in the dawn of the new decade. The “noughties” are frantically waving goodbye, leaving behind only memories of the rebirth of the “indie guitar band” and with it, skinny jeans.

 

However recent history must not be forgotten especially as the music arising from it was rather tasty, particularly in the last two years with bands such as Marina and the Diamonds, Mumford and Sons and Bombay Bicycle Club. These acts have already graced the pages of Looprevil’s entertainment section with rave reviews so I need not indulge in informing you of their brilliance. But fear not readers, even if the rather delectable offerings of 2009 did not take your fancy or passed you by, the forthcoming year looks set to be positively bathing if not drowning in musical delights for your eager ears.

Looking into the musical crystal ball, many new acts topping “ones to watch” lists for 2010 are really worth checking out, such as Ellie Goulding, who BBC 6music have hailed as the next big thing. Her edgy, cooler-than-pop songs are reminiscent of Passion Pit’s signature sound however the danceable beats are interwoven with her beautifully silky voice. When live she also plays the drums which can only gain her extra brownie points.

Erland and the Carnival are another class act, the infectious chorus from “Was You Ever See” has been spinning around my head for the last week, a guitar band with a surreal (and welcome) twist I believe to be an apt description of their sound. For a more relaxing atmosphere to warm your heart this winter, Taken By Trees should fit the bill with calming vocals and delicate melodies. The “Sweet Child O’ Mine” cover featured on the John Lewis Christmas advert providing the ex-Concretes vocalist Victoria Bergsman with more deserved exposure; however the 2009 album “East of Eden” shows her creative prowess when it comes to creating her own songs.

Liverpool Band of the Month:  Clever, quirky song writing from local talent. Amongst other elements, the brass breakdown halfway through Indica Ritual’s “Alpha Male” along with the track title of “Seamless Ejaculation” earns the band the first In the Loop title.

Album of the Month: “xx” by The xx. Missed the boat at the beginning on this one perhaps but after one play I cannot get enough of this album, must be listening to it at least once a day!