Snowden - Anti-Anti

Currently almost unknown in the UK, Snowden deserve to create a stir with their debut album. Comparisons with more established bands like Interpol or Yeah Yeah Yeahs are inevitable, if unjustified; this Atlanta quartet have created a unique and unpretentious sound from a scene quickly growing stale. Jordan Jeffares' distinctive vocal style has the almost despairing quality of Ian Curtis and his lyrics gloomily reflect on the monotony of life in small-town America, thus making the listening experience not entirely "easy." However, there is a remarkably engaging element to this band, and it is hard not to be drawn into their obscure lyrical musings. Imagine grinding, distorted bass coupled with shimmering guitars; brooding vocals that verge on discordance, and an end product almost impossible to accurately describe. One to catch whilst they are still playing small venues, as it is surely only a matter of time before a much larger audience catches on to Snowden. [Lucy Weir]