2013: ONES TO WATCH

The music world stops for no man, and as we look back on the last 12 months, we must also look forward to the promise of 2013. Here are just a few acts that have tantalised our ears, promising much for the future.

#1 – WILD SWIM

Wild Swim are an Oxford-based five-piece who have already shown signs of an irresistible sound through the release of debut EP ‘Echo’ in late 2012. The band tip-toe in and out of established genre, carrying sparks of electronica, noughties guitar and prog rock on their heels as they go. Frontman Richard Sansom croons and purrs his way through the tracks in a manner that has earned many comparisons to Wild Beasts’ Hayden Thorpe. A debut LP surely beckons and if it is anywhere near the quality of ‘Echo’, we have reason to be very excited indeed.

http://wildswimmusic.com/

#2 – THE PHYSICS HOUSE BAND

Are you sitting comfortably? Good, because once you’ve sat through all 3 minutes and 4 seconds of ‘Titan’ by The Physics House Band you will be pressed back into your seat, hair dishevelled, eyes wide, ears obliterated. The trio describe themselves as “ambient future-prog” and that’s as close as anyone will get to naming this weird and wonderful creature. The band have been keeping busy throughout 2012, DJ-ing as well as playing shows, and as they make their way onto the radar more music, and with it more exposure, must be on the cards for the coming year.

http://thephysicshouseband.tumblr.com/

#3 – THEME PARK

Theme Park have been making some serious waves already this year, releasing a string of singles and supporting Bloc Party on their UK comeback tour. Tracks such as ‘A Mountain We Love’ and ‘Jamaica’ made for the perfect summer soundtrack, with lilting rhythms and laid-back melodies. Record number one is in the can and details for its release will be revealed in early 2013, and the band look set to earn more and more friends once this record is unleashed.

http://www.themeparkband.com/

And that's it for 2012: hopefully 2013 will see these prophesies come to life along with many other musical discoveries and evolutions. For the mean time, make sure you stick some good records on to see the year out.