Surfacing: Swim Deep

Words: Saam Das

Speak to almost any new music blogger and they'll tell you about the dreaded band backlog. Swim Deep have been just another victim until now. A couple of months after I casually dropped their name, along with fellow Midlands bands Peace and Troumaca, I'm finally on it. Join the trio with their blissed out sounds below.

Playlist: Rajan's Top Ten Tracks Of 2011

Words: Rajan Lakhani

Following Jack's top ten tracks of 2011 and Simon's top eleven, here are my top ten songs from last year. Listen to them all in the YouTube playlist below, including tracks from Tribes, Glasvegas and Cut Copy.

Album Review: Tribes - Baby

Tribes - 'Baby' (UK Release: 16 Jan '12) // Words: Emily Solan

As long ago as it seems, it was this time last year that I was tipping Tribes to be the next big things. It seems that my predictions were wholly accurate, with every man and his dog frothing at the mouth at the release of their debut 'Baby' (count the recent double page spread in The Sun among all this hoo-hah). This collection of faux-grunge, hipster anthems, however, leaves a slightly bitter taste.

Playlist: Simon's Top Eleven Tracks Of 2011

Words: Simon Opie

Following up Jack's top ten tracks of 2011, here my top eleven songs of last year - featuring the likes of Low, The Dirtbombs, and Esben And The Witch. Along with eight others. YouTube playlist below.

Surfacing: Stella Le Page [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

25 year old Londoner (hey, me too) Stella Le Page cut her teeth as a member of synth-pop outfit Primary 1's live band as well as recording cello parts for Plan B. After dropping a succession of covers last year, 2012 sees Stella stepping out on her own two feet properly - her sassy debut single, 'Snake', is released digitally today.

Playlist: Jack's Top Ten Tracks Of 2011

Words: Jack Thomson

Most music outlets have already gone and forgotten 2011 but we wanted to share some of our individual favourite tracks of the year after giving it some considered thoughts. Listen to my top ten tracks of 2011 in YouTube playlist below, featuring everything from hot tips for 2012 Zulu Winter and Alt-J to new rap "sensation" Azealia Banks.