The Three Top New Bands To Look Forward To In 2012

Viva Brother, The Vaccines and The Joy Formidable were my tips for 2011; The Vaccines promptly became well-known as the best new band of the year, while The Joy Formidable continue to pick up fans along a steady year. Viva Brother, through an enforced name change and unfulfilled expectations, stalled along the way, but have higher hopes this time round. So after the unprecedented success of last year's suggestions, who are my three tips for 2012?

LANA DEL REY
If you haven't yet heard 'Video Games', where have you been? If you are yet to here this stunning piece of heartfelt 'Americana' (whatever that is), it's brilliant and a beautiful first calling card of this exciting new artist. And for those that are familiar with her, you want the good news? That's not her best. The twisted R'n'B of 'Off To The Races' and the anthemic indie of 'Born To Die', title of her up-coming debut album, show Del Rey to be anything but a one-trick pony. Keep an eye out for her in 2012.

DRY THE RIVER
Already having supported Bombay Bicycle Club, Dry The River are another of the year's hot tips, popping up in all the usual places that buzz bands do (BBC Radio One and NME to name two). But links to Mumford and Sons and Fleet Foxes are slightly unfair, they may be better. For one they know how to rock out, with their infectious tracks evolving from acoustic wonders to rocking stunners, all in the space of three minutes. Songs 'No Rest', 'New Ceremony' and 'Family Tree' borrow from folk, rock, indie and country, but meld together to form a unique sound that you recognise - the sign of a good newcomer. A good live show also.

HOWLER
The big hopes for 2012 and already being hailed as the year's saviours of rock 'n' roll. Playing very much on the garage rock traditions of The Strokes and shaping up to be this years' The Vaccines, they have some already immaculate indie-pop-rock tunes that are welcome on any sweaty dancefloor. 'I Told You Once' will be their lead single (their 'Last Nite') but they released EP 'This One's Different' last year to get that exact response; these are different. Five instantly hooking melodies and a raspy vocal from singer Jordan Gatesmith, but extremely tight musicianship and the kind of grainy production that shot The Strokes to fame; this five-piece from Minnaepolis are definitely one to watch as they hit these shores in March.


Three big hopes for the year ahead, and here's Lana Del Rey with 'Video Games' - one of the biggest songs of last year and bound to take this one by storm. Enjoy.

NWR