Promoting unsigned artists is something we at Gigslutz feel extremely passionate about, with our regular ‘Unsigned Act Of The Week’ and ‘Ones To Watch’ features, as well as a wealth of reviews and premieres. Celebrating new artists, or even people who’ve been making music for years but not got the recognition they deserve, is something we pride ourselves on and feel is an integral part of what the world of music should be about. We therefore thought it would be a great idea to focus on the array of unsigned artists in different cities around the country and spread the word about the huge amount of talent that is out there!
– Mari Lane, Assistant Editor & Unsigned Artists Editor
This week, Elli checks out the Manchester scene…
Horsebeach are blowing up in the Manchester scene faster than any band I’ve seen in a long while. With support from all the local promoters, venues and record stores, it’s hard to be unaware of Ryan Kennedy’s new project whilst living in this great city. Horsebeach’s eponymous debut album sold out its first pressing and Piccadilly Records recently ranked it #3 in their Top 100 albums of the year. This is no surprise to fans of the band – with the sunny outlook of American garage rock, such as Real Estate, added to the damp feel of Manchester, Horsebeach really make a unique sound. ‘Midnight’ and ‘Faded Eyes’ are glimmering pop perfection moulded into the form of songs. Not to be missed.
Flesh are one of the most exciting new bands in Manchester: how can I explain how great they are in a few sentences? It’s going to be tough. Oozing with energy and Manchester flair, Flesh pull no punches with their smashing new tracks. After being blown away by this 4 piece sleazy slacker band supporting Man Made a few weeks ago, I’ve not stopped listening to their track ‘Vauxhall Casanova’. The video embodies everything the song is – sleazy, dirty, cheeky and just totally refreshing. Robbie’s vocals vary from straight up cheeky chappy to drawling and dirty. I can see seriously great things to come.
Jo Rose is a Manchester singer-songwriter with the soul and sound of pure Americana folk. His recently self-released album ‘Spurs’ is 30 minutes of tranquil but vibrant acoustic music in 9 superbly written songs. His sweet and expressive voice provokes so many emotions; his unique tone is just stunning. Tracks like ‘The Maiden Name’ and ‘Balcony Doors’ perfectly show the flawless combination of Rose’s voice and his original song writing skill. Despite being unsigned and still having a bar job, Rose has already supported the incredible First Aid Kit on tour: proof that many possibilities lie ahead and that there’s so much more to come for him.
Goda Tungl, named after the epic Samaris track, are an exciting new sound in the Manchester music scene, especially for their age. Four childhood friends, now just 17 and 18, the band recently released their Applewhite Nettles EP – four catchy songs with a classic touch of sweet guitar styling with a modern ‘math rock’ edge of jaunty hooks and samples. Scott Brown’s vocals are instantly recognisable – sensitive yet powerful with subtle vibrato, just totally refreshing. Each song is different, but together they sound like a perfect whole – a skill very few bands seem to master. The contrast between first track ‘Bathe In The Dirt’ and the second ‘Young Moon’ is exciting for such a new band, they clearly have so much more to offer.
Hot Shorts are a band who still seem to be finding themselves, but what they’re making along the way sounds bloody good. Their first release Web Design EP is 4 simple, self-recorded tracks, perfect for the 21st century. It includes classic titles such as ‘I Stayed Up All Night (Working On My Website)’ and ‘Just Trollin”, all of which ooze American rock and grunge influences. However, these are thrown out the window for their newesst track release: ‘I Don’t Give A Fuck About Your Website’ is a 75 second “novelty rap song”, but for a ‘novelty’ song it’s sure got a slick beat, awesome riff, fantastic lyrics and just the right amount of attitude. Hot Shorts are the ones to watch.
Do you live in Manchester and know of any other great unsigned artists? Let us know at @Gigslutz_ !
Elli Brazzill
@littlelionelli
Elli Brazzill
Latest posts by Elli Brazzill (see all)
- LIVE: Broken Hands – Gullivers, Manchester 27.04.16 - April 30, 2016
- LIVE: Kygo – Manchester Academy 1 21.04.16 - April 24, 2016
- Discovery Of The Week: Lena Laki - April 7, 2016
