Surfacing: nicpreen [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

The demise of South African upstarts Al Bairre last year was particularly upsetting - their uplifting sound and joyous live shows felt so primed for wider appeal that we can't help but feel that there's a sense of unfinished business. And perhaps Nicholas Preen from the band felt similarly, with a wonderfully evocative beginning to his new nicpreen guise.

Year In Review: Tips For 2016 Revisited

Words: Saam Das

It's fair to say that few would have predicted a double whammy of Britain exiting the EU and a Trump victory in the US Presidential Election last year, so perhaps the business of prediction is something of a fruitless exercise. But I do have a soft spot for lists, so here's an assessment of my shortlist of tips for 2016:

Festival Preview: Ten Bands To See At The Great Escape 2016

The Great Escape Festival (various venues across Brighton, 19-21 May '16) // Words: Saam Das

Back in 2006, I took a punt on a new festival called The Great Escape. Although not a great enough punt to pay for more than one night at a Travelodge in Brighton. Since then, The Great Escape has grown into the UK's finest festival for new music, and arguably one of the world's finest festivals. This year, they've grown even further, partnering with Raindance Film Festival for a new film strand.

Futuresounds: Ones To Watch For 2016

Words: Saam Das

Why bother publishing a ones to watch/tips for 2016 list mid-way through March? Well, because a) the early year hype has died down, and b) because we can and want to support artists that deserve some added attention. And c) because we're mavericks. That said, three of our following ten bands to watch for 2016 did appear in our nominations for January's Blog Sound Of 2016, although only one of my chosen acts made it to the long list.

Year In Review: Saam Das' Top Ten Albums Of 2015

Words: Saam Das

From Iain Woods' psychologist album released on 1st January 2015 to Archy Marshall's King Krule follow-up released as December drew to a close, 2015 was certainly an interesting year for album releases. With honourable mentions to Young Fathers, Errors, and Lanterns On The Lake, read below for ten of my favourite albums from the past year:

Listen: Al Bairre - Julia [New Single]

Words: Saam Das // Photo: Caroline Mackintosh

Hyperactive South African quartet Al Bairre (pronounced Al Bear) were a wonderful surprise at The Great Escape Festival earlier in the year - they even thanked us, but the pleasure was truly all ours. Joyous new single 'Julia' is a perfect introduction to the band's effervescence, and we've popped previous single 'Bungalow' below for good measure.