NEW MUSIC: WILD SWIM - NEW DAWN

A band tipped for big things in this blog's 2012 review, Oxford quintet Wild Swim have been gathering their creative energies ready for an imminent studio hibernation, the fruits of which will be seen in 2014. In the mean time, the band have given have left a Hansel-and-Gretel-esque trail of aural goodies for fans to feed on. The latest of these offerings, 'New Dawn', follows much in the footsteps of previous singles 'Echo' and 'Another Night', further establishing the Wild Swim sound. The track is characterised by Richard Samson's caramel vocals, effervescent piano and a kind of effortlessness that one does not often hear from a group of lads who have yet to celebrate their 21st birthdays. A triumphant look into the future both lyrically and musically, 'New Dawn' bodes well for the much-anticipated debut album.

'New Dawn' is released on 21st October; check the track out below.

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. 

2012: TOP TRACKS

Here are my picks for the top ten tracks of 2012, although it's more of a collection than a chart because I am rather loath to order what are all pretty spectacular offerings. Also provided are the accompanying videos in all their (probably) HD glory, ranging from anarchic newsreaders to bedroom fanatics. 

Inhaler – Foals 

You’re Early – 2:54

Echo – Wild Swim

Higher Ground – TNGHT

Gallop – Tall Ships

Hips and Lips – Maximo Park

Ghosts of Holloway – Lone Wolf

Cough Cough – Everything Everything

Arguing With Thermometers – Enter Shikari

The Mother We Share – CHVRCHES