2012 has arrived and The Badger has been keeping its ear close to the ground over the past few months to find out the best in new music for early 2012. In an industrial indie style We Are Animal brings an excitement in tempo that is unparalleled by any of the NME award nominees this year. Front man Owain Ginsberg, who hails from Snowdonia, North Wales was previously signed to Sony records with his previous band, The Heights.
However , their demise has brought new songs from the front man who has already released a full length LP ‘Idolise’ and an EP ‘Tacla’. Although only on the verge of a European tour in February, they have already gathered a notorious reputation for their adrenalized live shows. Their infectious rhythms and stylish melodies evoke an excitement in the crowd that is difficult to come across in most of the new bands being hailed as the best in the business.
Another live spectacular are The Spectrals, fresh from supporting 4AD’s Real Estate on a U.K tour are great for any fans of the Arctic Monkeys, Miles Kane or Best Coast. They seem next in line to take command of British indie pop.
In terms of being able to create more of a sensation, this year’s album by Beth Jeans Houghton album will do just that.
The 21 year old Geordie singer/songwriter and her band the Hooves of Destiny have been creeping slowly into the U.K pop scene over the past 4 years with songs that are best described as ‘Glam folk’. Maverick in style and quality, Beth will be a staple in every home by the end of the year.
Howler will release their debut album on January 16 on Rough Trade have created an energetic and catchy album of indie classics. Howler been compared with The Strokes, and are the new generation of indie kids repertoire of favourite new bands. Howler play the Green Door Store on the January 25, so check Badger listings for details. Whilst all the above artists reflect the best in rock/indie in 2012 for which the U.K is a home, the UK is also home to a growing electronic music scene. Leon Vynehall- a Brighton based producer has regularly graced the decks of Life and the Tube on Brighton Seafront in 2011 during a great year which culminated with the release of a free track (‘Say 2 U’) out via Mixmag.
2012 will see Leon Vynehall release ‘The Mauve EP’ and is out on Well Rounded Housing Project in February this year, the label is also home to the great Julio Bashmore. In addition to this, the rising producer has a release planned with George Fitzgerald’s label Man Make Music later this year.
