JUST JACK
After his overlooked 2003 debut album The Outer Marker sunk into obscurity thanks to his record label going bust, Just Jack (real name Jack Allsopp) is back for another crack at success. This time he's got the helping hands of a major label deal, shared management with his new-found friend Elton John, and a flawless-sounding album in the shape of Overtones, out at the end of January.
THE FRAY
Denver four-piece The Fray have stolen that British band trick of sticking a 'The' in front of the band name in the hope that they may have some success here, just like they have in their native America. Possibly. They'd probably do well with or without it, as their tunes, which are what Coldplay and David Gray might sound like if they were American, have radio-friendly written all over them. See them support The Feeling in February.
KLAXONS
Leaders of the so-called 'new rave' revolution, as championed by NME, the Klaxons (like all the other new rave bands) are essentially an indie rock band with angular riffs and frenetic rhythms that has thrown in the odd electronic squelchy noise as a nod to rave music. They have, though, covered rave 'classic' The Bouncer, that 'your name's not down' one. Shouty, energetic and completely bonkers, Klaxons are riding the zeitgeist into the hearts of the kids.
THE HOURS
The Hours, between them, have played with the likes of Black Grape, Elastica and Pulp, but sound nothing like any of those bands. Instead, their music, which sounds like a more energetic Keane, should appeal to the more discerning fan out there. The band's debut single Ali In The Jungle made single of the week for Radio 1 DJs Jo Whiley and Zane Lowe, and new single Back When You Were Good is more sophisticated piano-driven pop.
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