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:

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.

Listen: LUH - I&I [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

I only really warmed toward enigmatic Mancunians WU LYF toward the end of their reign, as frontman Ellery James Roberts announced his exit with 'Triumph'. I mentioned back then my interest in hearing future projects, and although Los Porcos and Francis Lung haven't quite captured my imagination, Roberts' LUH seem the most promising subsequent effort. Check out their new single 'I&I' below.

Surfacing: LUH [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

I never quite got on as much as I'd hoped with Manchester mavericks WU LYF, with their obtuse and carefully crafted aura, but it was still a disappointment when they disbanded. The driving force behind the split was frontman Ellery James Roberts, who returned with the incredible 'Kerou's Lament' in June 2013. He's back again, this time with a helping hand.