Music is what makes the world turn around, someone once said to me. And I must say, every year when I stare at the new cd’s I bought and think about the concerts I’ve been to, I can only agree. Awakened by the hunger for new music I dive into 2010 to discover the young bands we’ll need to keep an eye.

Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch just gave birth to her first album and is already packing her bags for a European tour. Like Alice in Wonderland this 23 year old damsel in distress from Londen has fallen deep into the rabbit hole. With powerful folk inspired pop she tries to free herself from a hard break-up. Think Kate Bush giving A Kiss with a Fist, one of her first singles. Although she also makes a good statement with this one: “My boy builds coffins, one day he’ll make one for you.” Ouch!

 

Gold Panda

A panda you won’t find in the zoo. Instrumental artist Derwin found himself an alter ego in Gold Panda, who lives in a dreamy but fragile world. When he was a teenager he was already sampling old records from his dad, and this definetly paid of. Obsessed with the Japanese culture he got behind his mixing table to explore the wonders of electronic music with an outstanding refreshing sound as a result. The rythms of this minimal psychedelic dance gets you in a state of mind you we’re aware of.

 

The Drums

A new era, a new generation. The boys of The Drums are not afraid to say they only care about themselves as being part of the me generation. Self-centered rock music from New York that’s only about “the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being overcome with all of your hopes and dreams at once, or when you're walking alone in the rain and realise you will be alone forever." Torn apart between the joys of life and total despair these new New Orders get the picture right.



The Temper Trap

A toned down Animal Collective flooting in the atmosphere of the universe. That would be the best way to summarise The Temper Trap. Playing it low and loud at the same time with a need for passion, trying to fill the emotional void. Together with The Arctic Monkeys producer Jim Abbiss these Australians are ready for the sky. When included on the soundtrack of the bittersweet romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer they stole my heart with Sweet Disposition. Other victims will follow, I can tell you that.

 

Everything Everything

Manchester has got a great legacy of musical talent. Joy Division, The Smiths and Oasis, to name a few. The English lads of Everything Everything are eager to put Manchester back on the map. With a futuristic sound that’s hard to pinpoint, they inject the indie scene with the catchiness it needs. Like Franz Ferdinand did, but definitely more eclectic and arty. They got together in 2007 with friends from school and university with a mission to avoid cliches at all costs. Beam me up, Scotty!