New Noise 5th Jan '11

The first New Noise of 2011 arrives with a bit of a sniff, a couple of moans and ten new songs chosen specifically to make your ears glow.

To begin, two unannounced Christmas treats from Gorillaz and Pete and the Pirates (whose new album finally lurks on the horizon *resists urge to use multiple exclamation marks*). That’s before the enigmatic Deptford Goth slobbers vocoder all over dreamy synths, Nicole Schneit (aka Air Waves) delivers a gem made for radio, the beginning of the end for Stricken City (sniff.. wail) and a popping, bouncing stroll in an LA park from Tokimonsta.

Bringing things into the home straight Nottingham’s finest Fists, a sun drenched closer from the new Ducktails album (out next Monday), more beautiful r n b-based mystery from Surrey/London’s Vondelpark (with crackles straight from my record deck) and a ramshackle hint of whimsy from New Yorkers The Beets.

Happy New Year.

Jon