The Top Three New Bands To Look Forward To In 2013

Yes, it's that time of year again. The Christmas decorations are coming down and the New Years' hangovers are settling down, so it's time to think about the year ahead. But a quick look back to twelve months ago; when I named Lana Del Rey, Dry The River and Howler as my three bands to look out for in 2012. Well I'll take two out of three; Dry The River's distinctly average debut album being bettered by Howler's superb debut and Lana Del Rey's rapid rise to pop stardom. So, can I better that with three out of three from this year's hot contenders?

1. HAIM
The winners of the BBC Sound of 2013 award and front cover stars on the NME, this American sister act are certainly causing a stir amongst the new music world. And it's not hard to see why with their bright and bubbly songs that are instantly likeable, with a sound that falls somewhere inbetween Blondie and Ladyhawke. So far we have only been treated to 'Don't Save Me' and 'Forever' from a singles point of view, but these bouncy gems have been more than enough to get the music press purring over their laid-back poppy-rock. For the music purists out there, Haim are the three Haim sisters (Este, Danielle and Alana) who play their instruments on their own songs - a big feather in their youthful cap. For those passing listeners, they make bloody catchy tunes.

2. PALMA VIOLETS
Winning the NME's song of the year for 2012 was a fine way to see in 2013, and big things are expected for this year's 'Rock 'n' Roll' saviours'. It seems every year now, we find good old 'rock 'n' roll' in dire need of saving but despite the huge success of The Vaccines and the underground ripples of Howler, we still find 'R'n'R' in a supposed need of resuscitation. Step forward Palma Violets - indie rock fourpiece from Lambeth, London, who have built up their reputation from their early live shows which have already begun to pick up the same kind of momentum as The Libertines and Arctic Monkeys did in their early days. 'Best Of Friends' is the kind of calling-card raucous guitar anthem that could be the springboard to stardom, but many are awaiting the 25th of February when they will release debut album '180'. Could very well be the success stories of 2013.

3. DEAP VALLY
Imagine the White Stripes with a girl singing, and you should arrive at rock-chick duo Deap Vally. Also think of The Black Keys/QOTSA with a drunk, rasping Karen O on vocals to you. Hailing from LA, Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards have caused quite a stir with their fantastically bluesy and riff-tastic 'Gonna Make My Own Money'; setting up tours both sides of the Atlantic, appearances at numerous festivals including Reading and Leeds (ready made for their hard-rock sound) and support slots for The Vaccines and Muse. With 'End Of The World' being Zane Lowe's Record Of The Week in October, they have an outside shot of creating a storm in 2013. Baring in mind the success of The Black Keys and The White Stripes, and the recent triumphs of Alabama Shakes, maybe it isn't such an outside shot at all.

Three very good up-and-coming bands, and simply because it's the song you're least likely to have heard, here's Deap Vally's 'Gonna Make My Own Money'. Enjoy.

NWR