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Here's a special DiScover column of new bands who fit beneath the arc of "shoegaze".
93 Million Miles From The Sun
As stereotypical visions of people and places go, the good folks of Doncaster aren't exactly at the top of the list when thoughts turn to embracing new, experimental music. Indeed, having spent the occasional stag night in DN1 and its dens of iniquity also known as night clubs, the nearest anyone could expect to come to encountering new music would be the "Indie half hour" in Seventh Heaven, where Oasis, The Enemy and Ocean Colour Scene are the so-called alternative. Thank heavens for small mercies then, as 93 Million Miles From The Sun not only manage to dampen stereotypes, but their self-produced, self-titled debut long player could (whisper it) just be one of 2009's most exquisite offerings on the album front. Combining layered, textured guitars over an array of effects and choral vocals, 93 Million Miles From The Sun is one of those records that, while evoking memories of the likes of Slowdive in their heyday or even a more sonically enhanced Maps, stands tall and proud in its own right due to the dazzling range of variation across its thirteen tracks. Another key element of 93 Million Miles From The Sun's extensive make-up is that not only do they express a desire to take their sonic experimentation one step further, but they also never lose sight of the fact that beneath all the reverb and delay lay actual songs that would sound just as affecting stripped down. 93 Million Miles From The Sun are:- Nick Mainline (guitars/effects/vocals), Rob Hogg (bass/effects) and Jack Straker (drums/effects). The album 93 Million Miles From The Sun is available direct from Parallax Sounds.
MySpace.com/93MillionMilesFromTheSun
The Domino State
Formed from the ashes of seminal neo-shoegaze outfit At The Lake, London-based quintet The Domino State are a prime example of the old adage "if at first you don't succeed, try again". What's more, their recent ascent to one of the capital's hottest properties on the scene isn't merely down to trial and error, but more a case of solid graft, coupled with a panache for writing anthemic effects-laden tunes not too dissimilar from The Chameleons or mid-period Bunnymen, whilst delivering consistently dynamic live performances in the process. Club AC30 obviously think so too, as having already added last year's infectious 'What's The Question?' seven-inch to their already impressive roster, look set to follow suit later this summer by releasing their as-yet untitled debut album, which the band are currently recording. The album will be preceded by a single at the end of June. The Domino State are:- Matthew Forder (vocals), Tim Buckland (guitars), Jim Machin (guitars), Will Padley (bass), Richard Simic (drums).
Catch The Domino State at the following:
May
23 Nottingham Chameleon (Some Velvet Evening w/ Exit Calm and Mint Ive)
June
7 Kent Sellindge Music Festival
Ringo Deathstarr
Never judge a book by its cover, or so they say, but when you're faced with a name as potentially offensive as Ringo Deathstarr it would be wrong not to investigate the subject matter a little closer, right? Good, because this is no second-rate attempt at using shock tactics via an insensitive band christening to gain attention. Instead, Ringo Deathstarr have a distinguished noise all of their own making that sets them apart from any adverse comments related to their moniker. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the home of SXSW, Ringo Deathstarr stir up an incendiary racket that recalls the halcyon days of My Bloody Valentine pre-empting their 'Isn't Anything' surge to legendary status ('Starrsha') while 'Down On You' and 'Swirly' conjure up images of previous tour buddies A Place To Bury Strangers jamming with the Boo Radleys in their experimentally LOUD phase (i.e. when they were very, very good). In fact, don't just take my word for it, head over to the Fan Death Records store and purchase their breathtaking debut 12". Ringo Deathstarr are Elliott Frazier (guitars/vocals), Alex Gehring (bass/vocals), Renan McFarland (guitars), Daniel Coborn (drums).
DiScover live listings
Sheffield DiSsers Facebook group | Manchester DiSsers Facebook group
May
7 Manchester The Deaf Institute - M83
13 Sheffield The Harley - School Of Seven Bells / Telepathe
14 Manchester The Deaf Institute - Abe Vigoda / The Mae Shi
16 Sheffield Skate Central - Rollerpalooza - Black Lips / Mika Miko / Gringo Star / The Manhattan Love Suicides / Brontide / The Hipshakes / Urgent Talk
