The Strokes – Is This It
The debut from one of New York’s most famous musical exports is what kicked off the indie scene and started the biggest musical movement of the century thus far, one that we are still in the grip of. Though the album displayed a simple, bare-bones approach it provided a blank canvas for the vast multitude of bands which followed.
T
he Libertines – The Libertines
The most notorious British band of the 21st century. Though they received plenty of critical acclaim and commercial success during their brief heyday, they were more famous for the drug fuelled exploits of Pete Doherty. Despite the fact that Doherty was completely out of it, spent time in prison and avoided bandmate Carl Barat like the plague, the band produced a classic British album.
The Killers – Hot Fuss
Arguably the most commercially successful indie band around. Though they have produced their fair share of hits across their career, they could never match Hot Fuss as far as albums are concerned. Inspired by new wave and post punk it features the massive hits ‘Somebody Told Me’, ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’ and of course their signature song ‘Mr Brightside’.
Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City
Having already established themselves as one of indie rock’s biggest success stories with their first two albums, Vampire Weekend then delivered a stone cold modern classic. All together more sophisticated, both musically and lyrically, it plays like a coming of age story of the band. Rather than focus on privileged youth the lyrics are more world weary with a more experimental musical backdrop.
Thanks to a gracious invitation from Cyber Nomad Records I found myself at the historic Troubadour in Earl’s Court, which over the years has hosted sets from everyone from Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix, to see the up-and-coming singer/songwriter Alex Hedley. Emerging from acclaimed indie folk four piece Saturday Sun, Alex has now embarked on a solo adventure and has recently released his debut EP Shadow Lake. With a dark, complex and ambitious folk style similar to Eaves, one of Belwood’s most celebrated artists, expectations were high for his intimate performance at this iconic venue. 
There are many ways to make a hit and this quartet from Liverpool have a whole recipe book for weird and wonderful top tracks. ‘We Used To Be In Love’ is a golden 80’s throwback reminiscent of ‘Jessie’s Girl’, ‘Loud Places’ boasts a nerve-tingling bass line, the disjointed fuzz of ‘Vitamin C’ is in a whole different class and the thrilling indie hit ‘Pick Me Up’ is sheer rapturous joy. Clean Cut Kid blend together the best of the indie scene bands such as Vampire Weekend with a dash of deliriously infectious 80s vibes from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen. If you add into the mix all the little eccentricities that show that they have nothing to fear from forging their own path, you’ll find that you have all you could ever want from a band …and don’t even get me started on frontman Mike Halls’ magnificent beard! Whatever your tastes Clean Cut Kid will assuredly make your life brighter.
One Less Reason – The Memories Uninvited
Belwood Music 