fifty: Jonas Alaska

Norwegian boy based in Liverpool, Jonas Alaska creates music that'll have you up to your ears in archaic tales that retain a modern twist in their lyrics. Take Dracula for example, it recounts Alaska's meeting with the infamous vamp and will have you crooning "Draculaaaaaa!" within seconds of hearing it.

Jonas ain't really up to much at the moment. But keep your ears pinned back for news, he's certainly worth seeing live.

Listen to Amanda Johnson's Song here.

fourty nine:

Hello, time for my month's obsessions...so far...

Blue Roses. Once again Laura Groves makes a big impression, even with some demos.

I received a 5 track promo type thingymajig, which includes previous "I am Machin" infatuations "Doubtful Comforts" and "Does Anyone...", two spruced up tracks from the Laura Groves days, "I Am Leaving" and "I Wish I..." and a newbie, "Rebecca".

I'll eat my hat if Blue Roses isn't the name on everyone's lips by the end of Festival season. Catch Laura at Bestival and Camp Bestival with Bat For Lashes, Peggy Sue and Fleet Foxes etc.

Listen to "I Wish I..." here.

Telekinesis. Michael Lerner of Seattle who creates fun, loved up music for a living. The songs are individual and creative, and brilliant variants of the American "indie" you get around parts, reminding of Modest Mouse. Stream his album from here.

And listen to "Coast of Carolina" here.

Gaoler's Daughter. A london four piece consisting of Alfie, Ben, Alex and John. Together they create jumpy, upstarting music, bound to get you in the mood for a fight on the tiles. Self described as New wave/Indie/Jazz, your hear the members bringing in ther respective influences amongst the melodies of the tracks.

John Sterry for example, has a hint of Paddingtons to his voice, straining it in a rebellious fashion on songs such as "In A While Crocodile". There's also hints of old Reggae roots scattered here and there, contrasted with contemporary lyrics.Listen to "Without Rhyme or Treason" here.

Alan Pownall. That's right, it's another ka-pow from Pownall. Alan brought 4 sublime songs to listeners ears recently, that span from sleepy slumberers to summer shiners. It's hard to pick a favourite, so be sure to check out all the songs (and a K.West cover) through the above link to his myspace.

I was thoroughly excited about seeing Mr Pownall again next Monday, but the tour's been re-scheduled to May. See you there!

Listen to "You Know" here.


Bat For Lashes. Natasha Khan is officially back with a megabite or two with her new album, "Two Suns". Crafted around the concept of relationships and double personas, Khan's second album soars to dizzying heights and swoops within grazing distance to the Earth's surface. I can't describe how essential this record is, and will be, to the impending year.

Listen to the one of the album's sombre moments, "Good Love" here.