First Sight: Just a Number 05272011

Anti-psalm by Sister Crayon

Napoleon IIIrd, Amor De Dias, Jules Ettiene

These are some bands that you should not avoid seeing this year, as chosen by the Snipe music team

Active Child
To its critics, the democratising effect of the internet-fuelled bedroom recording and distribution revolution seems like a disaster. As a direct result of tools like Garageband and MySpace, the internet is awash with the fruits of DIY musical labour, and with the major labels and music monthlies in decline, fast-moving blog culture has accelerated discovery and eroded the traditional points of quality control. However, Pat Grossi (aka Active Child) is a walking rebuttal to this notion. His steady rise began with a flicker of interest on the now influential Transparent blog, and his is a talent that fully deserves to see the light of day. Built from synth textures, 80s inspired electronic drums and plucked harp strings, Grossi’s songs are topped with his soaring, emotive falsetto. The excellent Curtis Lane EP has already reached an international audience, and a debut album shouldn’t be far behind. John Rogers

The sadness of the gentleman

The first time we speak, Josh T. Pearson is frosty. One word answers to long-winded questions mentally winding me and leaving me wondering what I had to do to get anything out of him.

The Present Perfect by Yeh Deadlies

We Have Everything (Blue Hawaii Buh Buh Remix) by Young Galaxy

Nodzzz, The Mantles, Bomber Jackets

Stop machine by Snorkel

Live Much by D/Wolves