Daystar – Sleeper

Impact Date: 11.06.12

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‘Great Stuff, and very Manchester, too’ ED O’BRIEN (RADIOHEAD) 

Daystar is a band I’ve been listening to a lot lately’ CLINT BOON (INSPIRAL CARPETS / XFM)

‘Wonderfully melancholy…already sounds classic’ THE SUN

 Manchester indie/rock five-piece Daystar is set to release their latest single ‘Sleeper’ on 11th June. Their rise over recent months has been impressive to say the least. With a sound drawing expertly from contemporary influences like The Smiths and The Stone Roses and with song craft reminiscent of legendary groups like R.E.M. and The Beach Boys, the band have rapidly developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming indie acts while supporting the likes of The Rifles and The Twang on tour.

Captured by legendary Liverpool producer Ronnie Stone (the man behind Mansun’s hit album ‘Attack of The Grey Lantern’), ‘Sleeper’ is a beautifully hypnotic and mellow song boasting chiming, shimmering guitars with front man Simon Monaghan’s sweet melodies soaring above. It’s an indie lullaby of real quality and, lyrically, a poignant rallying call to the lost souls who drift through life without ever fulfilling their potential. ‘Sleeper’ will be available on iTunes a week ahead of the release of the eagerly anticipated album ‘Daystar’ on the 18th June.

There’s evidence aplenty of the band’s respect and admiration for the work of Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd and perhaps more than a passing nod to the classic harmonies of Brit-pop heroes such as Mansun and The Charlatans.

Lead singer Simon has a voice that exudes distinction and class, delivered amidst a sound that, while unashamedly steeped in familiarity, resonates with a fresh urgency and vitality that has won the band many high profile fans, including Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, Clint Boon (XFM/Inspiral Carpets), BBC Radio 2’s Janice Long (‘They Said I’d like this, they were right’), presenter Terry Christian and BBC DJ Gary Crowley (‘I’m absolutely loving this, I can certainly hear the Syd Barrett and Brian Wilson influences’).

Catch Daystar live at:

CLUB NME @ KOKO LONDON 1st JUNE 

THIS FEELING @ FAC251 MANCHESTER 16th JUNE

Alice Russell – Let Us Be Loving video


 

The video for Alice’s forthcoming single ‘Let Us Be Loving’ has finally seen the light of day. And we’re glad that it did! Directed by Brighton-based photographer and film-maker Steve Glashier (who has previously created music promos for the likes of Fatboy Slim, Juliette and the Licks and The Rakes), the video was shot entirely with a Canon 5D mkII (for those photography buffs amongst you).

You can also see Alice’s stunning cover of Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ on Canal + TV here

Alice embarks on a short UK tour (once she returns from the European tour of course) during November. Check out her MySpace for details.

And as if that weren’t enough, Mr Scruff’s remix of Alice’s Got the Hunger? (available on the Pot Of Gold Remixes album) will be iTunes Single of the Week from 10th November. Let Us Be Loving and Got the Hunger? (Mr Scruff Remix) will both be available on iTunes to download for FREE, and you can still download the other remixes from the album for just 79p each.

Alice Russell - Pot of GoldAlice Russell - Pot of Gold RemixesMr Scruff

Shmoo – Amnesia

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Release date:

2nd November 09

Shmoo - Amnesia

The third offering from Shmoo, ‘Amnesia’, see’s the band exploring their sound in greater depth. Still reeling from sell-out shows at this year’s Manchester International Festival, which garnered rave reviews from (among others) Xfm’s Jon Kennedy. Catchy hooks, a killer vocal and vocoded harmonies all conspire to make ‘Amnesia’ a track of epic proportions aided by Manchester’s world renowned Halle Orchestra. The single will only be available to download (from iTunes and other leading digital music retailers). You can catch Shmoo live at Manchester’s In The City, as well as supporting Warp Record’s Max Tundra . You can also check out the video for Amnesia, filmed during their Manchester International Festival performance here.