Expecting... The Black Keys

After late-2009's great blues rock/rap cross over 'Blackroc', The Black Keys are returning by themselves this year. The duo will release 'Brothers' in May, and is self produced, with one track produced by 'Attack & Release' producer Danger Mouse. Expect live dates to follow the release.

Tracklisting:

'Everlasting Light'
'Next Girl'
'Tighten Up'
'Howlin' For You'
'She’s Long Gone'
'Black Mud'
'The Only One'
'Too Afraid To Love You'
'Ten Cent Pistol'
'Sinister Kid'
'The Go Getter'
'I'm Not The One'
'Unknown Brother'
'Never Gonna Give You Up'
'These Days'

New Videos Time

OK GO - THIS TOO SHALL PASS

FOALS - SPANISH SAHARA

GORILLAZ - STYLO

Welcoming Back... We Are Scientists

If you follow possibly one of the best band websites around (http://wearescientists.com/sci-cave/), and you should, you'll be aware that We Are Scientists will be releasing a new album in June, combined with 'The Big Fuckin' Deal Tour'. Oh, and the album is called 'Barbara'. I won't say anything about that, I'm sure plenty of other people will. Check out single 'Rules Don't Stop' on their myspace, featuring ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows who is now a fully fledged member of the band. I don't think it's up their with 'The Great Escape' or 'After Hours' as a lead single, but it's still a good tune.

http://www.myspace.com/wearescientists

Welcoming Back... Foals

Spectacular return for Foals. Sounding every bit the future on this new song 'Spanish Sahara'. 6 minutes plus to drift away to. And you will. New album 'Total Life Forever' to follow.

THE STRANGE BOYS - BE BRAVE

I found it too late to consider it really, but I now think The Strange Boys '...And Girls Club' was one of the best debut albums of 2009. And only months after their first release, they are back with 'Be Brave', filled with more of the same brilliant garage rock.

Nothing quite lives up to the title track and first single, with the drawl singing, shouting, harmonious choruses and energetic, youthful guitars backed by a rough saxophone. 'Be Brave' doesn't contain as many stand out tracks as the debut, but their are more elements in the mix here, showing a maturity over just a few months. Don't worry, they are still not 'mature' in anyway, they still sound like The Black Lips little scamp cousins, but they have tightened up, which live shows will probably prove.

There is still plenty of lo-fi scuzz and disharmonies, but the Boys show here they have sensitivity underlying it all, with real Southern flair and grit. One of my favourites of 2010 so far.

Welcoming Back... Crocodiles

Introducing... Apples

For Fans Of: Vampire Weekend

http://www.myspace.com/apples

Introducing... Sissy & The Blisters

For Fans Of: The Horrors

http://www.myspace.com/sissyandtheblisters

BLOOD RED SHOES - FIRE LIKE THIS

Blood Red Shoes' 2008 debut album 'Box Of Secrets' was well received although many believed it didn't quite live up the bands reputation gained from ferocious live shows. The album was still a success and contained a number of great dance rock singles. The Brighton duo have returned with 'Fire Like This' which is altogether a tighter piece of work, a more accurate representation of the band and the music they want to make.

The album has been produced by Nirvana producer Steve Albini, and it really shows. The 10 tracks are raw, unapologetic rock songs that move at great pace and without a glossy shine. And the songs benefit from this production, you can imagine the songs sounding like this live. Single 'Light It Up' probably sums up the album, heavy, thumping drums, technical and powerful guitars with the two vocals combining to great effect on a thunderous chorus.

For a two-piece, Blood Red Shoes really make a racket. Sometimes two-piece bands can feel a little empty on record, but 'Fire...' really makes the most of their wide sound, delivering 10 heavy and full songs and displaying the duo's strong abilities. Laura-Mary's singing on 'When We Wake' is also a pleasant surprise, a slow burning number about mortality which is a good contrast the the rest of the albums pure rock.

Fanfarlo on Letterman