The Best Of Modern British Music (Olympic Opening Ceremony Feature)
Thursday, 02 August 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
One thing the Olympics sought to do in its opening ceremony was celebrate some of the biggest hits and acts in Britain's history, and that in itself proved pretty nostalgic. But a country's musical credit is not all based on its heritage and classics, it's also about the new breed of bands and musicians who are continuing the legacy.
Nowadays there are a number of bands and musicians who are garnering success, some more than others, who people should be familiar with. So, if you're looking for some new home grown talent to sink your teeth into, here are some good places to start.
1. Frank Turner.
Folk rocker Frank Turner was given a mammoth opportunity by performing early on in the opening ceremony. With his growing fan base including Danny Boyle, it seemed an opportunity he simply couldn't turn down. With his brand of honest folk punk music taking him far from his hardcore roots, Frank has taken the world by storm. Selling out Wembley Arena earlier this year, there was little doubt on how far he has come. "I Still Believe" was one tracked plucked from his repertoire that he performed at the ceremony, and if you've somehow missed out on him up until now, this song is a very good place to start. Recommended tracks: 'I Still Believe', 'Wessex Boy', 'The Ballad of Me And My Friends'.
2. Twin Atlantic.
Singing with a strong Scottish accent tends to get you automatically lumped in with Biffy Clyro, but for those willing to dig a little deeper, Twin Atlantic have a lot more to them. From their humble beginnings performing in pubs and clubs, the band have found their own brand of rock music land many huge support slots alongside both My Chemical Romance and Blink 182. They continuously sell out their shows, their biggest headline home show to date being at the Glasgow's
o2 Academy. As they spend summer 2012 on Warped Tour trying to expand their American audience, it seems that there's little set to stop the band's triumphant rise. Recommended tracks: 'Free', 'Yes, I Was Drunk', 'What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?'
3. Bury Tomorrow.
As someone often dubious about hardcore music through oversaturation, it proves a real treat when someone shakes things up a little. Bury Tomorrow's most recent album 'The Union of Crowns' isn't exactly groundbreaking musically, but it shows a band who have grown substantially from their debut and are able to bring some diversity to their music. For those familiar with them, this release has been rather anticipated and it's brought with it some real excitement. If the band continue in this way, they'll likely keep progressing fantastically. What more can you ask for? Recommended tracks: '1603', 'Sceptres' (Listen to these two back to back!), 'The Maiden'.
4. We Are The Physics.
Sometimes it's just nice to have something a little bit quirky and off the wall. Cue: Glasgow's own We Are The Physics. One listen to 'You Can Do Athletics, BTW' and it sums the band up: they're fun, quirky, a little unpredictable and - damn - they're catchy. They've shared stages with a variety of acts, from fellow Scots Franz Ferdinand to 30 Seconds To Mars and are said to be a fantastic band to see live (sadly, I've still yet to witness this). Especially in the Summer, fun music goes down a treat, so don't waste the limited days of sun you have left and blast some Physics. Recommended tracks: 'You Can Do Athletics, BTW', 'Applied Robotics', 'Goran Ivanisevic.'
5. Don Broco.
Some would question why they'd be in such a list, but though they've rapidly been growing their own fanbase there are still too many out there who haven't acquainted themselves with this band. With a truly addictive twist on their rock sound, the band have grown with their upcoming release 'Priorities', which the band put down to being able to give each song the time it deserved in the studio. They've shared the stage with many magnificent bands, a personal highlight being on The Used's club tour earlier this year. August 13th is when the new album drops, and you'd be a fool to ignore it. It's going to be MASSIVE. Recommended tracks: 'Priorities', 'Actors', 'Beautiful Morning'.
6. Admiral Fallow.
It's difficult to shake off local bands in a list like this, so back to Scotland. Not restricted by the routine instruments bands possess, the band include the likes of clarinets into their main works; it just gives it this big feel, a new dimension. They're uncontrived and a pure pleasure to watch. There's something refreshingly honest and raw about their music. It has moments of pop, moments of rock and I'd guess the category they'd fall into would be Indie(?), but I've never been one to understand many genres. What matters is they're great, and after headlining the 'Introducing' stage at this year's T in the Park, it's safe to say they're a band worth checking out. Recommended tracks: 'Guest of the Government', 'Beetle In The Box', 'Squealing Pigs'.
7. The Defiled.
London's own metallers The Defiled have been making quite a name for themselves. Between sharing a stage with Murderdolls and Godsmack, to killing it on the UK festival circuit and opening The Jager tour earlier this year, they've earned a massive following. Known for their anarchic stage performance, which more than often leads to instrument smashing and the likes, the band are just fantastic. Ever since seeing them at the dawn of last year, I pitched them for big things and it seems they're definitely achieving them. Fans of all things heavy should definitely take a moment to listen. Mammoth. Recommended tracks: 'Black Death', 'Call To Arms', 'The Resurrectionists'.
These are just seven home grown talents that are worthy of your attention, personally at least. From metal to indie to folk to straight up rock, there's something there for everyone. The UK has a great music scene and after remembering how much quality I've come across personally, I'd welcome any other additions to check out. Sometimes we luck out and have fantastic local bands, other times we have to travel a bit further afield, but what's certain is that regardless of your musical taste, there's almost certainly someone in the UK you're yet to discover who might just be your new favourite band.
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Nowadays there are a number of bands and musicians who are garnering success, some more than others, who people should be familiar with. So, if you're looking for some new home grown talent to sink your teeth into, here are some good places to start.
