With a new year coming in I thought it a good idea to write a bit about bands I think we should all keep an eye on in 2007. Yes, the sole purpose of this exercise is to be able to look back in 12 months time and, hopefully, have a smug impression on my face. On the other hand I might end up backing a band that will turn into 2007’s The Automatic. I will probably be woefully inaccurate.

All signs indicate that 2007 will be the year of Klaxons. According to NME, who are always more than happy to invent names for scenes, they are part of a ‘new rave’ movement. Essentially, they are angular/art rock with electronic elements. They play The Ambassador Theatre in February as part of the NME Indie Rave Tour. (http://www.myspace.com/klaxons)

Air Traffic from Leeds made a small splash this year with their debut single and EP. They are your basic pop rock act, but they do it better than 90% of their peers. ‘Charlotte’ was for me one of the best singles from the underground this year. They are also coming to Ireland in early 2007, as they play 5 dates across the country in January. (http://www.myspace.com/airtraffic)

Yes, Luxembourg did release several singles last year as well as their full-length debut, but surely 2007 will be the year that the world opens its eyes to these pop noir connoisseurs. They’ve recently played their last gig with their bassist Jon, so the first few months of the new year shall be spent getting a replacement up to speed and returning with an EP of brand new material. (www.myspace.com/luxembourgband)

Captain Black specialise in high tempo folk rock. Unusual for a UK band, they cite influences such as the Dubliners and the Pogues. They pull it off with style, adding their own more modern slant, and producing some great songs. I will watch them keenly in 2007 to see what the new year has in store for them. (http://www.myspace.com/captainblack)

On the home front Ham Sandwich seem to have a bright future ahead of them. February will bring their forth single, and no doubt even more attention and plaudits. The Butterfly Explosion are also ones to watch. Their 2nd EP, ‘Turn The Sky’, released this year, impressed. Their Smashing Pumpkins-influenced sound turned many ears, and has had them on constant rotation on Phantom FM since its launch. (http://www.myspace.com/eathamsandwich http://www.myspace.com/butterflyexplosion)

To represent America in this wee thing, I include The Little Ones. Think Spinto Band, with the eccentricity toned down a bit. Only a bit mind. Their blend of pop folk is sure to make an impression on the indie scene in 2007. (http://www.myspace.com/wearethelittleones)

Other mentions:
Troubles – Post rock outfit formed from the embers of Hope Of The States – http://www.myspace.com/troublesmusick
Korova – British angular rock outfit - http://www.myspace.com/thekorovastate
The Donde Stars – Indie rock - http://www.myspace.com/thekeds

PS: I was going to include Villette in this rundown, but in researching their future plans on their website, I found tucked away in the corner a slightly important fact that they deem worthy to leave out of their biography. They split up 3 months ago. It’s a real shame because they had talent.


So over to you, who are you going to be looking out for in the coming year?