The LaFontaines - Superstar

Perhaps it's because of the constant media blitzing of American hip hop, but there seems something quizzical about rap done with a central Scottish accent. Perhaps it's the dour nature of the modern urban Scots youth that doesn't translate well to the kind of sexy-yet-smooth soul-searching of the sun-drenched LA chart-toppers we see emblazoned across our fallen MTV. In any case, it doesn't matter - Motherwell quintet The LaFontaines demolish such cultural stereotypes effortlessly, and combine articulate rap with layers of guitar hooks and hands-in-the-air euphoria-pop. A promising debut. [Ewen Millar]