TWO STEPS BACK, ONE STEP FORWARD

• 3rd Jan 2006

Reflections on 2005 and prophesizing 2006. Glasswerk tells you what is what:

2005

The Departure: Dirty Words
After slating their debut single, and managing to get the consequent ranting review about them published on the site seconds before our long suffering and erstwhile editor could put an alternative and wholly more positive review up, All Mapped Out came back to bite me in the ass. The album, Dirty Words, lay dusty on my shelves for months before, out of boredom, I slipped it on and to my outstandations (that ain't a word but I like it) it knocked me over like a senile granny crossing a motorway – then lo and behold All Mapped Out becomes my favourite track on the album. Can’t explain what happened – I went from hating to loving. This just is the best album of 2005.

The Killers: Hot Fuss
Ok ok it was out in 2004 BUT it was re-released in 2005 and that’s when they went all big and stuff so neh. Besides I am compiling this article (notice how all my recommendations come first) so I make the rules. What can I say? Again I have slated this lot before and now I love em…. though not as much as I used to I have to admit. The brief resurgence of me on the dance floor to Somebody Told Me has now ended and you can find me in my usual spot by the bar leering at women. Speaking of which this is clearly a chicks band. Still indie anthems a-plenty on it.

Arctic Monkeys:
They ain't even had an album out yet with only one single Dance Floor released to date – if you ignore all the free tracks that were floating around cyberspace but have now mysteriously dried up – so how can I include these in the best of 2005 section? Again I make the rules so shut it. The band had a debut number 1 single that’s why. Don’t argue…. although I can only see them going onto scale greater heights in 2006. In any case we gave them their first London gig which sold out so weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee……

The Bravery; S/T
For exposing The Killers as many times as Babara Windsor in a Carry On film. Sam Endicott's commanding live voice helps this New York outfit come alive both on record and they put on a mean and thrilling spectacle. The have the singles to match The Killers in 'Unconditional' & 'Honest Mistake', but they are deeper than that, as the melodious ode to love as a healer that is ‘Rites Of Spring’ testifies. Watch them upstage Depeche Mode on their Arena Tour in March.

Emiliana Torrini; Fisherman's Woman
Smooth, melodic and intoxicating Bjorkesque enchanting is delivered with subtlety and precision. Stand out track 'Heartstopper' parades her songwriting prowess with aplomb. The lyrics recall tales of black coffee and broken hearts with the aplomb of Maeve Binchy;

“Coffee is pouring out my ears.
It's the only thing they have in here
And my heart stops beating.”

This half Icelandic and half Italian performer is steadily growing in stature and her Kate Bush like progress will keep people enthralled for years to come.

Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man; Shitty Zombies
The whirlwind of Good Riddance meets Snuff and a snippet of Tiger Army crasher ‘Here’s One For You’, creates a chilling and bold punk beginning; vocalist Andy demonstrates urgency and gives the indication that this band has a lot to say and not enough time to say it in. They are bringing punk back to Manchester.

Forward Russia
Following the success of the Kaiser Chiefs, Forward Russia have made 2005 a huge success with constant touring and the Whiskas Phenomenon has got us all growing beards again! the NME praising and more recently their video of ‘Twelve’ appearing on MTV2, Whiskas and co are making it big and expect more in 2006.

The Cribs
These Wakefield legends have got people in Wakefield playing music and have allowed the place to unearth high quality but fun loving bands. Second album ‘New Fellas’ has a pocket full of gems. Anthems and great sing along tunes and after an amazing gig at Leeds Met it seemed like we were witnessing a new Libertine type revolution, am I over blowing them? ‘I don’t think so’!

Arcade Fire
Shuddering tunes with crazy stage presence make this band one of 2005’s best bands. Although from foreign shores they do have to go down as one of the year’s favourites. Their album ‘Funeral’ is jam packed of eclectic sounds with top tracks like Neighbourhood, Wake Up and Rebellion (Lies).

2006;

Boy Sets Fire
I know they have been around years, but they have just signed a new deal with Equal Vision Records. This has given them renewed vigour and they will be looking to make 2006 their year. With political turmoil everywhere; they will feed upon this to produce a barnstorming hardcore punk offering to grip serious musos.

Computerman
Orchestral indie that combines the euphoric nature of Arcade fire, the pizzazz of Depche Mode and the haunting cries of The Manic Street Preachers, commences a tempting musical display in their latest single Nomorebrokenhearts and they look to build upon this in 2006.

Helen Boulding
Heart rending self belief is crisply released by this Sheffield artist who is one of six children; it certainly shows that she is well practised at being heard and getting her point across. Her 'Housework' EP contains the bubbliness of Shania Twain and the contemplative nature of Donna Lewis and Joni Mitchell. Her debut album is out in 2006 and it could be the surprise of the year.

The Sunshine Underground
Masters of addictive and frantic rock. Echoing vocals that shudder down your spine. Getting bigger by the day and will be appearing at The Faversham’s, New Years Eve celebrations. An amazing band that will without a shadow of a doubt become big nationally and be Leeds 2006 heroes! New single ‘Commercial Breakdown’ is set to be released mid January 2006.

Samsa
The three members (Oli Deakin, Jamie Deakin and Harry Wood) have made a big impact in Leeds and have the tunes to go big. 2005 has seen them support the likes of The Duke Spirit, Oceanzize and Duels. Steve Lamaq made the bands track ‘First, the lights’ an unsigned track of the week.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
bursting over at the end of 2005, I think we can safely say this band will be huge 2006. They have bags of genius tunes with melodies that dig deep into the soul. ‘Upon this tidal wave of young blood’ is a sure fire hit. Brooklyn-based 5 piece will Britain in a trance.

Pen Knife Love Life
Taking the myspace generation by storm they are more than screamo by numbers – they are rather good. Trembling time changes they are a bit At The Drive In with a headache (I may or may not have nicked this line from somewhere else about a different band). I think it’s just interesting to see how far a band can go on the myspace fervour – plus I like watching them.

Gideon Conn
I can’t say for sure that this loveable geek will make it to the big time this year but he certainly entertains me. Randomly walking into a gig we were putting on and finding this cross between Weezer and Beck made me emerge from my slouching posture and take note. It was only a small stage and his ensemble was crowded on there but really he emerged from the ‘nervous guy’ shell of a bloke I had spoken to moments before and played the crowd like he owned them. Funky upbeat numbers with lyrical twists captured my imagination. Good stuff.

The Common Redstarts
Scottish indie rock n roll in the foot stamping head bobbing class. Infectious choruses and swinging beats – this is going to be their year. Already enjoying Radio 1 airplay with Zane Lowe and Lamacq plus a plethora of regional radio play, the debut single is out in February. Make sure you find these sooner rather than later.