FUTURE SOUNDS 31 IS FINALLY RELEASED

FUTURE SOUNDS 31

1. THE HEAVY – COLEEN
The Bath, England five-piece known as THE HEAVY throw their weight around within the funk revival genre, sounding like the son of CURTIS MAYFIELD and even calling their debut album, ‘Great Vengeance and Furious Five’, which is the first release ever for +1 Records. Now that’s funky. Mark your calendars for SXSW 2008 as a breakout opportunity stateside and a must see in Austin, and then brace yourself for the funk force. This band is BAADASSSS!!!
Management/legal: James Mountain, Stealth Mgmt. Needs: Booking.
THE HEAVY – THE HEAVY – +1 RECORDS/COUNTER RECORDS

2. THE POSTELLES – WHITE NIGHT
New York City's THE POSTELLES are what you get when you mix FRANKI VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS with THE STROKES. Their self-titled EP that is about to drop on Retone Records, is six of the most enjoyable and head-bobbin' tunes I've heard in some time. I got caught doing 'the jerk' in public with my headphones on with "White Night' playing walking in my neighborhood.
Manager: Steven Melrose. Legal: Elliot Groffman. Needs: Booking.
THE POSTELLES – THE POSTELLES EP – RETONE RECORDS

3. THOSE DANCING DAYS – THOSE DANCING DAYS
The Swedes seem to be taking over Future Sounds. We just got out off the road with SHOUT OUT LOUDS, JOHNOSSI and LYKKI LI, and now I wish we could go on the road with Stockholm’s THOSE DANCING DAYS. Perhaps the feel good track of this compilation, dancing days are here again! Five ladies that obviously love Northern Soul music, they’d go nicely with AMY WINHOUSE and some old PHIL SPECTOR records.
Management: Nick Levine. Needs: US booking
THOSE DANCING DAYS – THOSE DANCING DAYS EP – V2 MUSIC SCANDINAVIA

4. IDA MARIA – OH MY GOD
Ok, another talented band from Stockholm, Sweden, back-to-back? This one is IDA MARIA, and that’s her on guitar and vocals, but her band blisters enough for me to say OMG! LOL! Originally from the small town of Nesna, Norway, Ida collected these bandmates while moving to Sweden, and at only 23 years old, runs Nesna Records, their own label out of a small house. It’s like BJORK gone punk rock! She’s already gone out on the Levi’s One To Watch Tour and SXSW.
Management: JP . Booking: Pure Talent Music (EU). Needs: US booking.
IDA MARIA – DEMO – UNSIGNED

5.VENUS INFERS – LONDON’S RAINING
I agree with you, that opening guitar riff makes you think I tried to sneak SURVIVOR’s ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ onto the disc, but instead the familiarity should only come as these former Future Sounders, VENUS INFERS, have been featured before on the comp (FS28). What’s new, besides a full-length that is getting play locally on Indie 103.1 FM, is a line-up change at the vocalist spot, and the arrival of Davis Fetter as a frontman to reckon with. The band is just out of high school and has nothing but ambition and potential ahead of them.
Needs: Management, legal, booking.
VENUS INFERS – VENUS INFERS (WHITE ALBUM) - UNSIGNED

6. CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – CLOSED EYES
Auckland, New Zealand’s CUT OFF YOUR HANDS were tipped back on FS27, but have since recorded a full-length worthy of the world’s notice – ‘Blue On Blue EP’, which had four key tracks produced by SUEDE’s Bernard Butler. Recently signed to 679 Records in the UK, the kiwi four-piece have toured with the likes of BLOC PARTY, WE ARE SCIENTISTS, FOALS and RATATAT to name a few as well as appearing on Steve Lamacq’s BBC show. Live, heads up for them at SXSW 2008 as well as Big Day Out 2008. Manager: David Benge. Booking: Mahmood Saikh, Flower Booking. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US Publishing, US label.
CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – BLUE ON BLUE EP – SPEAK N SPELL (AUSTRALIA)

7. MY BEST FIEND – DEAD MAN
It’s early days on this brooding band from Brooklyn, NY, but it won’t be long before their tour history fills up quickly. The self-titled full-length debut dropped digitally on Itunes in December, and they look to announce West coast tour dates starting around the Noise Pop Festival in late February. The album is deep, fiendish and diverse, and will immediately become the best friend of fans of THE SILVERSUN PICKUPS, SPIRITUALIZED and AUTOLUX.
Legal: Michael Pampalone. Needs: Booking, management
MY BEST FIEND – MY BEST FIEND – UNSIGNED

8. WISELY – THROUGH ANY WINDOW
Los Angeles’ WISELY has this familiar feeling to it, kind of like the band, AMERICA, and their big hit, “Ventura Highway”. If that doesn’t lift the skirt, anyone that can get Jenna Fisher (PAM) from the OFFICE to star in their video must be doing something right. Getting love at radio from KROQ, KCRW as well as Paste and Harp Magazines. A gorgeous song!
Booking: Ella Records. Needs: Management
WISELY – WISELY – OGLIO RECORDS

9. GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA – LITTLE MESSY
Dublin, Ireland’s GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA are a four-piece that people are comparing to PAVEMENT and THE GO TEAM, but I think it’s more like MODEST MOUSE in the corner pocket. It doesn’t matter who the influences are, the result is a good times song like WHITE RABBITS ‘The Plot’. GPO was a big hit at this year’s Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin. Their debut EP release will be on February 1st as well touring in UK and Germany in early 2008. Manager: David Curran. Legal: Phil Hanna (Ire). Needs: Booking, publishing
GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA – EP - UNSIGNED

10. PLUSHGUN – JUST IMPOLITE
Brooklyn’s PLUSHGUN is actually the name for the classically trained, 23 year old composer Dan Ingala, who sings as well as he writes. You immediately here some POSTAL SERVICE and maybe some HELLOGOODBYE in there, and if this isn’t ready for TV and ad placements then I’ve lost it entirely. Early days on his live show, but a lifetime of training can make up for lost time very quickly. The EP was politely done in Ingala’s bedroom.
Legal: Eric Ingala. Needs: Management, booking.
PLUSHGUN – PLUSHGUN EP – UNSIGNED

11. JUPITER ONE – UNGLUED
Names after a starship in the ‘60’s TV series, Lost In Space, New York’s JUPITER ONE actually formed in 2003. A five-piece on Cordless Records, they feature lead vocalist K Ishibashi sounds like a modern day JACKSON BROWN one moment, while building on the groundwork that THE SHINS have built, there are moments when you’d swear James Mercer was singing the “wa-a-oh’s”. This song is featured in FIFA 2008, and the album was sequenced by the legendary Jac Holzman (ELEKTRA/THE DOORS). Management: Ryan Ruden, Aerial Entertainment. Legal: J. Reid Hunter. Publisher: Artwerk Music. Needs: Booking.
JUPITER ONE – JUPITER ONE – RYKO/CORDLESS RECORDS

12. OSLO – THINGS FALL APART
While we all wait for the next OASIS record to drop, filling the void nicely is a band that has members in Los Angeles and Oakland - OSLO. The four piece supported BLUE OCTOBER on their last Fall US tour, and come with support from The LA Times and Indie 103.1. This is their second release and they co-produced it with Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mickey P (Beck, Peaches) and Sam Fogarino (Drummer, Interpol). ‘The Rise & Fall of Love & Hate’ is in the Top 200 on CMJ Radio and added to over 100 college stations.
Booking: Mob Agency. Publishing: Songs Music. Needs: Management
OSLO – THE RISE & FALL OF LOVE & HATE – SIX FEET MUSIC GROUP

13. OLD MAN RIVER – LA
Sydney, Australia’s OLD MAN RIVER is built around the koala-bear-haired Ohad Rein. His 60s influenced sound makes him seem familiar way that is comforting, and to make him even more warm and fuzzy, this song ‘La’, was written while in a workshop for disadvantaged children. He’s toured with THE SLEEPY JACKSON, YOUTH GROUP and DAMIEN RICE. ‘Good Morning’ is finally set to release out of Australia, in Germany, UK, France and Japan in early 2008. Manager: Troy Barrott. Booking: Harbour Agency (AU). Legal: Media Arts Lawyers.
OLD MAN RIVER – GOOD MORNING – RED LABEL/ SONYBMG

14. IGLU & HARTLY – IN THIS CITY
In this city, Los Angeles, locals IGLU & HARTLY don’t just play parties, they are the party. Backed by KROQ DJ Kat Corbett, her “new favorite band”, the band’s live shows are part indie rock, part hip hop, and not in that LINKIN PARK way either. You’ve probably seen them popping up on Myspace frequently, their friend count is a runaway train.
Management: Red Ghost Music. Booking: Larry Webman, Paradigm. Legal: Jason Russell.
IGLU & HARTLY - … AND THEN BOOM EP - UNSIGNED

15. GABRIEL RIOS – I’M GONNA DIE TONIGHT
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, GABRIEL RIOS followed his heart (a woman) over to Ghent, Belgium where he’s made his home. This former Border Breakers winner is like ‘Debra’-era BECK meets PRINCE. His first two albums have been collaborations with TECHNOTRONIC (yep, ‘Pump Up The Jam’) main man Jo Gogaert. Rios is full of talent and style.
Management: Gentle Mgmt. Legal: Richard Grabel. Publishing: Megadisc. Needs: US booking.
GABRIEL RIOS – ANGELHEAD – MEGADISC RECORDINGS (EU)


OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

MEAGHAN SMITH – Track: I KNOW
Ok, Starbucks, here’s the next NORAH JONES. With a voice from heaven, but actually from Nova Scotia, MEAGHAN SMITH is my pick for becoming a household name, dwarfing the potential of FEIST. From the album ‘Take Me Dancing’ this is like BILLIE HOLIDAY for ’08. Simply gorgeous – a star! UNSIGNED.

ALBERTA CROSS – Track: OLD MAN CHICAGO
Possibly one of my favorite new bands, I can't even believe ALBERTA CROSS are from London, it feels like something in the Midwest, has touches of NEIL YOUNG, MY MORNING JACKET and early JAYHAWKS at times. Their full-length, "Thief & Heartbreaker" comes highly recommended. Fiction Records/Geffen.

THE FELICE BROTHERS – Track: FRANKIE’S GUN
I love this band that just signed to Team Love, they have that barefoot and smelly DEXI’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS vibe, and a sound like BOB DYLAN doing ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’. Three brothers (Felice) and two other guys make up this throwback that’s like the New York version of THE POGUES.

TOKO-RI GET HIGH – Track: LOVING AND STEALING
Anytime I hear of a band out of El Paso, Texas that is slightly left of center, I'm intrigued. A band that has spent it's nights in Juarez, Mexico at Fred's Rainbow Bar or The Alive brings with them a different perspective on the world - sort of like that film 'No Country For Old Men'. Part BEEFHEART, part VELVET UNDERGROUND, part TROGGS, but nothing like anyone else I've been listening to lately. UNSIGNED.

CATHY DAVEY – Track: REUBEN
From Dublin, Ireland, CATHY DAVEY. WOW! A voice like an angel and some spunk and a sense of pure fun for a change. I was instantly taken by "Reuben", a song that can pick up your day if you can turn it up loud enough. Every track I’ve heard is brilliant. Full length, "Tales of the Silversee" is out in the Uk on Parlophone.

HERE HERE – Track: ALL HAIL YE FELLOW SLEEPWALKERS
Already being dubbed the West coast ARCADE FIRE, San Francisco’s HERE HERE are a buzz band after only four shows, with help from Live 105 FM. Their 'Boy With An Orange EP' is gorgeous and has depth. I'll tell you right now, this is a band that many will be talking about in 2008. UNSIGNED.

SPIRAL BEACH – Track: VOODOO
SPIRAL BEACH from Toronto are a band I've finally discovered, because their site says that they've been around since 2004, so I'm making up for lost time. This unconventional sounding act that is still in high school. Describing them isn't easy, it's strange, it's all over the place in the way of bands like THE UNICORNS or the THE SLITS. Sparks Music (Canada).

TEAM WATER POLO – Track: LETTING GO
Was another tough final cut for the comp, do yourself a favor and download this song, ‘Letting Go’ if you can. Getting tons of buzz and attention in the UK at the moment, they won’t stay unnoticed everywhere much longer. So catchy after one play you’ll want more. UNSIGNED.

JOEY KENDALL – Track: HANDS AROUND MY THROAT
Kendall is from Dallas, Texas and is also part of a collective known as MOUNT RIGHTEOUS, but this month I’m focusing on his solo material, which is impressive and deep. This song, had it been mastered, would’ve appeared on FS31. Hilarious - like a funny DECEMBERISTS. UNSIGNED.

FADED PAPER FIGURES – Track: BEING THERE
Another track that nearly made FS31, this band from Irvine, California gets my vote for the DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE award. Gorgeous vocals, perfect indie rock. For fans of PINBACK, POSTAL SERVICE and TAHITI 80. UNSIGNED.

THE GHEARS – Track: 4 MINUTE MILE
In the old days of Future Sounds, I went 20 songs deep, and this song would be on FS31 if that we’re the case. Former DISRAELI GEARS members (and brother of IAN ARCHER), now living in London via Glasgow, they band has released this EP on JL Records. Big sounds!

ALSO BUZZING:
Fantastic Magic, Duffy, Mount Righteous, Villains, Late Of The Pier, The Red Romance, Television Room, The Hermit, Health, Le Switch, Johnny Foreigner, Okay Paddy, Adele, Muscles, Back Door Slam, Romantica, Kari King, Flight 409, Paloma Faith, Magic Mirror, Willoughby, Miranda Lee Richards, The Operation, Frankel, Kissing Tigers, Mercy Mercedes, Dead Confederate, Girl In A Coma, Cavil At Rest, Karin Tatoya, The Airborne Toxic Event, Le Loup.

ARTISTS: Wanna be considered for upcoming FUTURE SOUNDS compilations? Send us your music at TANKFARM CLOTHING ATTN: FUTURE SOUNDS - 10544 Progress Way, Unit C, Cypress, CA 90630.

**** Please remember to buy music when you can or go out and see these acts live.