The Strays + Velvet Starlings + Benjamin Gabe + The Non-Nonconformists

The Strays – Combining alt/groove rock textures with tight riffology that’s pretty darn funky and some beautifully beefy drumming. The Strays are rocking a sassy ragbag mix and match look and with girl singer coming on like a souped up fem rockabilly rebel so they have the visuals sorted too. Described in some quarters as ‘No Doubt meets Imelda May‘- which was actually exactly what I was just thinking. Neato. Velvet Starlings –  L.A psych/folk/indie/deep soul 3 piece. Something of a young Eric Burdon in the lead vocal with Mamas and Papas elements and matched up with contemporary indie touches ( a lot of Jack White and a bit of Arctic Monkeys) – impressive songs, great ’60s/’70s vintage look and with teen dynamo Christian Gisborne upfront undoubtedly one of the very best new voices out there…gonna go far, cheque books out bigwigs!…Benjamin Gabe – emotive indie pop with a possible nod to Coldplay by way of Muse (so shall we say Radiohead) but pretty much their own sound, very nice, from Slovakia with love.The Non-Nonconformists- post-punk that occasionaly touches on The Fall with un-hinged but amusing ranting/singing which reminds of the fellah from Momus, unique and refreshing