Alt-J

I am a huge fan of this foursome.

∆, pronounced as Alt-J, are a British indie pop band from Cambridge. Their debut album "An Awesome Wave" has proven to be a great hit since its release back in May of this year. Before this release however Alt-J had recorded a 4-track EP which included the singles "7," "Matilda,"  "Fitzpleasure" and "Breezeblocks."

This band has been compared with the likes of Hot Chip, Bombay Bicycle Club and Dry the River.

Alt-J have received some truly rave reviews for their live performances both in the UK and across America, and so all that is left to for me to say is give these new boys on the block a go - I promise you, you won't be left disappointed.

Tour Dates:
11th July. T in the Park - Balado Airfield - UK
18th July. Latitude Festival - Henham Park - UK
23rd August. Leeds/Reading Festival - UK
14th September. Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom - NYC
15th September. Rumsey Playfield, Central Park - NYC

For the rest of their Summer 2013 tour dates, and ticket information check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4555533-altj/calendar?page=6

The Neighbourhood

After hearing this indie pop band on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show I was left craving to hear more!

The Neighbourhood are a five man band from California, who only got together back in 2011. To date they have released two EPs "Im Sorry.." and "Thank You", and a highly successful debut album "I Love You" (April).

Despite this band having no upcoming british tour dates, they are playing a handful of dates around the US. The Neighbourhood, known for their black-and-white imagery which is demonstrated in all their music videos and artwork, have released to popular hits "Female Robbery" and "Sweater Weather."

If you like the sounds of Haim, and Smoke & Jackal, than this is a band for you.

Check them out, it will be worth it.

Tour dates:
22nd June. Main Street Armory - NY
26th June. Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
29th June. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
25th July. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater - NY

For information regarding their N.America (and Canada) tour, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/636848-neighbourhood/calendar?page=1

The XX

I am a huge fan of this band.

The XX, an indie pop band from the UK, have achieved great success since the release of their debut album "XX" in 2009.  With a Mercury Music Prize under their belt, it comes as no surprise to why their is so much hype and excitement for their upcoming second album Coexist (due to be released on September 11th.)

Popular tracks by this band include VCR, Crystalised, Basic Space and Heart Skipped Beat. Although great tracks, a personal favorite of mine is their remix version of "You Got the Love" featuring florence and the machine.  When I saw this band live I was ecstatic when Florence Welch turned up on stage to perform with The XX (see live performance below).

Since I saw this band perform at Glastonbury Music Festival, the The XX performed in a tent. I have never in my life (apart from when Mumford and Sons performed) seen so many people crammed in so closely together before. The atmosphere was pure electric.

The XX, made up of  Romy Madley Croft, Jamie Smith and Oliver Sim, had the whole crowd entranced. This  somber trio, who wore their usual all black attire, performed each of their tracks flawlessly.

Their set list included Intro, Crystalised, Islands, Heart Skipped A Beat, Fantasy, Shelter, VCR, Do You Mind, Basic Space, Night Time, Infinity and Stars. I had a fabulous time, and would definately encourage everyone to buy tickets - its a must!

Tour Dates:
2nd August. Terminal 5 - NYC
8th September. Bestival 2012 - Newport, UK
10th September. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
11th September. Coal Exchange - Cardiff, UK
12th September. Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK
26th October. Paradise Theater  - Bronx, NY
28th October. Paradise Theater - Bronx, NY

For information regarding other tour dates and tickets, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/515434-xx/calendar?page=1

The Kooks

I love, love, love The Kooks!

I saw this band live last year and had a great time. The Kooks are an indie pop band from Brighton, UK and first hit the music scene in 2004. The Kooks have to date released three albums "Inside In/ Inside Out," "Konk" and "Junk of the Heart."

Popular songs by The Kooks include She Moves In Her Own Way, Shine On, Oo La, Seaside, Do Ya Wanna and Naive.

I saw this band in Hyde Park London where they were one of the main acts (other acts included The Killers) to perform at the Hard Rock Calling. Due to them playing in a Park the atmosphere was unreal. Luke Pritchard (lead singer) is not only a great singer with a sexy voice, but a great energetic performer who has the ability to get the entire crowd singing and dancing to all their songs. With their collection of feel good songs, it comes to know surprise that The Kooks have attracted a large fan base over the years. With this in mind I would therefore suggest you buy tickets to see this awesome British band soon as tickets will sell fast.

Tour dates:
27th May. Northern Lights - Clifton, NY
29th May. Rumsey Playfield - Central Park, NYC
20th May. Rumsey Playfield - Central Park, NYC
7th September. Wembley Arena - London, UK (supporting Noel Gallagher)

For more information regarding tickets and their North America and Europe tour dates check out; http://www.songkick.com/artists/349047-kooks/calendar?page=1