Zimsky

I don't know who or what a Zimsky is. Initial thoughts ponder that it could perhaps be a small mythological insect. Saying the word aloud subsequently brings forth the intriguing visual image of a spiced Polish sausage. It transpires that the music of Zimsky contains neither of these things. That would be silly. ‘Death Kept Cold' borrows some of the best bits from quirky synth pop's sexier moments. Think Depeche Mode with New Order vocals and you've just conjured up the perfect analogy of the tune. ‘A New Low' (not a great track title to sell yourself on really) continues the theme with the addition of more melodious and constructive vocal melodies. Some cracking reverse violin type keyboard noise things are also included for your consideration. It's just a shame about the abrupt ending though. Whoever Zimsky may be he/they/it can be very proud of their ambient, brooding, electronic ooze.

Nick Sell

May 68

The best thing about reviewing unsigned bands isn't the free drink, guest list entry or the endless offers from women (though admittedly that runs a close second). It's discovering stuff that's raw and genuinely promising. Stuff you actually want to stick on your iPod and recommend to friends. This demo from May68 is all those things. It's delightful and downright bloody infectious. Sounds like the Foals, Ladyhawke, CSS and Blondie being dumped into an electro disco 80's euro trash can of pop. Revolutionary it's not but current, danceable and damn right cool it certainly is. Can't wait to hear more.

David Patterson

Black Sun

These guys sound like they're aiming for the mainstream and they have the songs to succeed. Nothing is Going My Way is by far their best song. It's a great tune and a complete surprise on first listen (and second, and more). The first 30 seconds don't bode well, sounding a bit like the start of a soggy, over-earnest and over-produced ballad. Things take a big, and welcome, about-turn at the forty second mark, where it turns into a stomping, sleazy rock-out for the chorus, complete with distorted guitars and a huffy harmonica bit. The song continues to alternate between these soft sad bits and the loud hard chorus with a bit of a ‘We Will Rock You' drum and a cappella singalong thrown in for laughs. It's well-crafted and fun, and definitely worthy of a listen. The other songs don't quite hit these heights, but are still pretty strong. Talk to the Sunshine is an anthemic ballad, Here Forever builds up a big, slow-burning head of intensity over the first half before fizzling out a bit at the end, and Inebriated Nation is decent but doesn't really go anywhere.

Dion Curry

Underdogs

Soaring indie pop is a bit of a cliché these days but, done properly, it's not half bad. Underdogs have graciously obliged to prove the theory with ‘Angel on Your Shoulder' – a three and a half minute burst of Undertones-esque vocals, anthemic choruses and crashing guitars. With no affectation or blatant copycat references, these chaps are like that well known brand of varnish we all know and love: they do exactly what it says on the…well, you get the picture. Shameful pop-culture references aside, the irony of this band's moniker isn't lost on the listener. Underdogs? No. Contenders? Without a doubt.

Gemma Winks

A Descent Into Moral Anarchy

Wonderfully named act A Descent Into Moral Anarchy bring us their new demo track 'Dust', with the main lyrics being basically 'what was life has turned to dust'. The layering of female vocals makes this track inspiring and has basic instruments such as piano and drums to make it sound effective. Although I do quite like this song and find that using few instruments works for them, it can give the feel that there isn't much going on and it took me a few listens to get into it and respect their effort.

Amy Baker

Kubricks

This is a live recording from a Kubricks gig at The Boardwalk and as far as live recordings go it's not bad. It's always difficult to convey the energy of a live performance when it's put on a CD and unfortunately the drums do become lost in the mix. An energetic lead vocal line carries the track and there are certain Alex Turner-isms in the phrasing, making it interesting though not highly original. The song is good and the music is tight but the Kubricks need to find that little extra colour that will take them out of the over-saturated indie zone, or they risk becoming lost amongst a sea of similar bands.

Matt Taylor

Previous Demo Reviews

Demo Reviews Archive