Top Three Up-And-Coming Bands of 2011

Just a little added extra to the albums to look forward to in 2011. Whereas this year promises the returns of many of music's great bands, there is still some new music to look forward to also. Staying in with my type of music, here are my three top bands I'm looking forward to hearing this year:

BROTHER

The mouthy four-piece from Slough are certainly causing a stir in the music world. Exposure in NME and on Radio One has seen Brother come to the fore as one of the best guitar bands emerging at the moment, rumoured to be bringing back Britpop for the 21st century. Tracks 'Darling Buds of May' and 'New Year's Day' are very good little songs, but 'Time Machine' is a gem that grabs hold much like early Arctic Monkeys and Oasis tracks did. Plus the band have a Gallagher-esque arrogance, claiming 'they will be the biggest band in the world'. Keep an eye out.

Here's taster track 'Time Machine' from Brother

THE VACCINES

The most well-known of the three bands, thanks to their hotly-tipped status for 2011. 'Post Break-Up Sex' has received good plays on Radio One, while The Vaccines have featured a lot in NME and finishing third in BBC's Sound of 2011 poll. Their shows have also picked up a lot of good press, their pacy but catchy guitar style winning many indie fans and shows no sign of slowing down. The debut album is out in March, plus they have festival slots in the summer, so you will know a lot more about the Vaccines come Autumn. Big tips for this year.

And here is 'Post Break-Up Sex' from The Vaccines

THE JOY FORMIDABLE

These Welsh rockers already have a big reputation on the underground music scene after extensive tours in the last few years, but this month sees the release of their debut album 'The Big Roar'. Formed in 2007, songs 'Cradle' and 'Austere' have been available for three years now and have no shortage of fans; their wall-of-noise approach similar to that of Arcade Fire with a dreamy pop twist. Unusually mature music for an up-and-coming band, they have an almost legendary brilliant live show to boot and supported Sir Paul McCartney recently at the Millennium Stadium. Not bad, ay? Look out for my review of 'The Big Roar' coming soon.

And here's track 'Cradle' from the Joy Formidable:

Three great-sounding bands and I'm very much looking forward to seeing them do well in 2011. My favourite? The Vaccines have built up a lot of buzz around themselves, and The Joy Formidable have got some great tunes behind them. But for me, the return to rock 'n' roll with Brother is winning it out for me at the moment. But that could change any moment. Stay tuned.

NWR