“The Big Indie comeback vol 3” is the third in a now cult status trilogy of amazing new music albums. From Indie , rock and pop to acoustic, electro, punk and new wave/rave this compilation showcases a selection of the hottest new Independent artists and bands out there in the world today. Instead of having to sift through a huge pile of demos the modern A&R person and new music lover can simply get hold of a copy of this Matchbox compilation and have access to the brightest new stars in the music world today. 

BIOG'S AND REVIEWS 

"The Big Indie Comeback vol 3" has been written about and reviewed by music journalist Dave Chislett. Dave is our Matchbox reviewer, a publicist, music journalist, published author and bass player from Johannesburg, South Africa. He was born in Portsmouth, but he can't help that. Down south in Africa he punts a few bands, plays a few tunes and reviews music from all over the planet for various famous publications. We asked for his honest opinions of the B.I.C bands and the full results can be seen below.

Toronto's modern rock heroes Anthill above 

Anthill – Images

Anthill play powerful melodic rock that is fronted by the conviction and strength of vocalist and song writer Mike Osachoff. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Anthill are an emotively driven, lyrically insightful band that has brought all the hooks and licks of great pop song writing to rock, and the results really speak for themselves. “Images” is instantly memorable and stays in the head long after the last anthemic chorus fades from your speakers. Clearly a band on the move with big places to go. They recently received the award for Best out of Area (Outside Toronto) at the Toronto Independent Music Awards.  The show's producer told them that the song "Images" got the most votes for top song honours but the top song award is reserved for Toronto area artists. "Images" was the first song on the Awards Show Compilation CD http://www.torontoima.com/awards.shtml

The White Trainers Community - Where does all the money go?

Based somewhere between Perm City, Russia and London, The White Trainers Community merge the best of new school indie sounds with  some sense of a mod revival. A three piece outfit, they generate  furious amount of sound and energy and this track, “Where Does All The Moy Go?” The pace is infectious, the chorus hooky and the up-tempo mood is a dance floor infection. These lads have certainly captured the essence of the mod dance-floor classic here, yet managed to maintain their own very individual quirk. " The Libertines meets the Jam with powerful distorted guitars" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Muzukashii - Le Mepris

Hailing from Sussex in England, Muzukashii are a five piece band with some pretty eclectic ideas about who they are and how they choose to broadcast that to the word at large. But for all their quirkiness in self marketing, in Le Mepris they have recorded an up tempo stormer of a pop song, with roaring guitars, scything lead vocals and a pumping rhythm section. Another one that will have your toes itching for the dance-floor while your mind tries to latch onto the vocals and what they are saying. " Placebo like fuzzy Indie goth-esq rock with a mopdern sonic feel" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Sweden's amazing pop gods Nom De Geurre in new romantic pose above

Nom De Guerre - So Long Sister

Nom De Guerre describe themselves as a “piano-pounding, bass fuzzing, drum-whacking power-pop trio.” And for once, a bands description of themselves is not so far off base. “So Long sister” features some great pounding piano and stirring bass. What they don’t mention are great catchy vocals and a total pop sensibility which sees them writing a short, to the point, and hook laden song.  This Swedish three piece certainly know how to write a catchy tune, and this one, Hector, Louis and George have put together a brilliant song here and certainly deserve their name of war !

and watch the "So Long sister" video by Nom De Guerre below

The classic and very anthemic rock pioneers Nine Circus above

Nine Circus - Don't Sell Out

The band is from San Domingo in the Dominican Republic and cite bands like Creed, Matchbox 20 and Pearl Jam as their major influences. Lead vocalist Eliseo Alba certainly has that exact gritty vocal style and in Don’t Sell Out they have penned a swaggering ballade with all the anthemic trimmings that you’d expect from such a pedigree. They also manage to pull the sound off immaculately, delivering an upfront and powerful track that will swell the hearts of rock ballade fans with passion. " Powerfully produced Radio rock with a melodic punch" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Umeed - It Came Up Gently

This emotive four-piece rock band hail from Portugal and this track is a good example of the kind of laden lyrics and intense style of the band: you have no doubt that they have something specific to say to you when you listen to their compositions. But they manage to not allow this to deliver slow, overly serious material. Instead the music is up tempo, clear and compelling. Together since 2001, they are working hard at releasing their debut album and landing that record deal. 

The Freefalls - Death Jacket

This is a three piece Indie band from Coventry in the Midlands of England and Death jacket could easily be mistaken for a hit you’ve heard on the Radio before: great dynamics in the song writing, with some excellent tempo changes and a rollicking sing-along chorus. It’s an almost perfect 3-minuts long and uses that short amount of time to introduce you to a sound that is underpinned by wild, jagged guitars and overlaid with strong vocals and excellent lyrics. It’s a powerful combination that the current Indie explosion is bound to discover before too long.

The Inventive BearKnuckles above

BearKnuckles - Dirty City

Don’t let the fact that BearKnuckles hail from Bristol in the UK fool you: this ain't no trip hop act ! BearKnuckles play a more rock n roll version of the current indie sound, with more rough edges, more wild guitar and more anger. Dirty City sounds like what it says: gritty, angry and dirty. Its great stuff, a pure rock n' roll injection into what can be quite an antiseptic and over-produced genre at the moment. Vocalist Ross Stone has got a great voice for this kind of thing and quite clearly gives it stick in the singing department. I would love to see this three piece live, because if they can sound this energised on a demo recording, I’d just love to see what they put out on stage !. " High pitch Cure-esq vocals mixed with sonic rock n' roll mayhem.....fabulous" - Matchbox Radio 24.   

Rock n' roll heroes Bloody Tourists ready to riot above

Bloody Tourists - Idiot friend

Another 3-piece from the UK, Bloody tourists keep it plain and simple on “my Idiot Friend” and it works. This is a rock n roll band more than anything else, with very strong nods to the American rock of the late seventies and early eighties, although yes, something like the Pixies can be heard in there, I was thinking more of Iggy Pop and the Stooges and The Ramones when listening through this track. Its hard, unapologetic and no frills stuff. " Powerful gritty no frills rock n' roll punk with a catchy aftertaste" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

The sophisticated and very Macca sounding proper popsters Muller and Patton above

Muller and Patton - Girl in a restaurant

Muller and Paton offer up a quieter, more lyrical and thoughtful offering than most, and “Girl In A Restaurant” is no exception. This musical hybrid of two songwriters who seem to have drifted around just about everywhere, is infused with the history and influence of the Beatles and the whimsical sound that seemed to dominate that golden era. None the less, this is clearly modern music that demands and extra listen. " Very Beatles-esq proper pop with great chord progressions and an atmospheric mood, perfect with a cup of english tea" - Matchbox Radio 24.  

Cool electronic pioneer Waterson above 

Waterson - White whispers

Waterson ( originally form Glasgow ) is a very different proposition to everything else on this collection so far ! The man behind the music hails from sort of all over the UK, and he also boasts a serious diversity of musical influences. But basically the sound is a mix of minimal lo-fi electronica with ballade style song-writing and catchy pop sensibilities. The result is a uniquely dark yet intriguing kind of electronica that will still tug at your ear, demanding re-listens! Very intriguing stuff.  Waterson recently signed a 2 single deal with Oxyd/Universal.  If the singles go down wellthen an album will follow. He is currently shooting a video for the first single next week and things look set  to explode. Watch this very space and the airwaves for more. " Dark, moddy and intriguing electro with an 80's twist from this very talented artist" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

The bulletpoof cool BEX and her Ejector seats. 

The Ejector Seats – Move in for the kill

Disco grows up and gets serious, or does it? The disco, eighties electro sounds of The Ejector Seats seek to combine the kind of suave dance floor sounds of Kylie Minogue with an older, alternative electro sound. The result is a refreshing sound that nods to eh cheese, but still insists you take it seriously. Comprising Rebecca, Dale and John, all from different places in the UK, The Ejector Seats are un-ashamedly pop, and they may just get away with it ! If for no better reason than the fact that Rebecca has got a great voice and projects a bullet proof aura of cool.

One of the most mesmerising, epic, grand, haunting new bands around at the moment. Nanbanjin above.

Nanbanjin - The Calling

Nanbanjin consist of Dai Evans (gtr/vocals, Wales), Eoin Jordan (bass, England) and Manabu Mori (drums, Japan) and are based in Kyushu, western Japan. As you might expect from that, they present a very different sound indeed. Its dramatic and powerful and almost impossible to categorise. Dai Evans’ vocals are just HUGE and the power of the rhythm section turns what might otherwise have been a pretty dirge like song into something monumental. Quite simply put, you have to actually listen to this to come to grips with it. Extraordinary. " Huge soaring vocals over burrundhi type beats, atmospheric and simply amazing" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Songwriting legend Christopher B McCarty in action above

  Christopher B McCarty - Glimpse of God

Christopher B McCarty is one of those unknown legends of the music industry… a songwriter whose music has been made famous by others. His songs have been recorded by the likes of The Steve Miller Band and country stars Martina McBride and Highway 101.  This is pure Amercian folk music, a twinge of country, a twinge of blues, the feel of the open highway that Chris travelled while recording the album that this track is taken from. Its epic, wide open music and bears the easy hallmark of an accomplished professional. " Stunning songwriting, distinctive vocals and a classic and epic tale telling sound from this legend of songwriting" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Alan O' Meara celebrating the release of the Big Indie comeback above 

Alan O' Meara - Try Again

Alan O'Meara is a singer/songwriter, musician, sound engineer and producer from Dublin. On this impressive rocky number he wrote, played recorded and produced everything himself. So apart from these musical talents the lad can also sing. With a ringing background guitar straight out of Big Country, this barnstorming number is a great intro to someone who is clearly a huge talent. Apparently he also records more Urban style music as well as this kind of rock anthem…interesting. " Up tempo catchy and classic rock/pop ala Men at work meets The Police" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Classic songwriter Gene Moore in action above 

Gene Moore - I Give Up

Gene describes himself as an adult alternative artist, and plays a kind of acoustic rock folk music that you could compare to the later works of Sting or John Mayer.  "I Give Up" is a rousing Ballade of courage and conviction. Driven by the acoustic guitar and excellent use of dynamics, its powerful chorus interfaces seamlessly with the more introspective and emotive verses. It certainly is different from most of the over-packaged and over-produced pop and rock that the mainstream is churning out and is a more simple and honest style of music. The extremely talented Gene recently performed virtually at the 2006 Olympic games and to 40,000 football fans at Giants Stadium as well as appearing in the movie " If looks could kill" . On top of this he also writes music for other people including writing the USA presidential campaign music for George W. Bush and composing " Insane" for Ace Frehey of Kiss. To see what else he's been up to click below and visit his website. " A true talent who writes real melodic songs that touch you" - Matchbox Radio 24.  

Italian Indie heroes Strippop above   

Strippop – Really

They come from a place more renowned for racing cars than music: Imola in Italy and their music is as unexpected as that might suggest. Lyrical, delicate and thoughtful stuff. "Really" is a drifting beautiful ballade that draws power from great arrangement, excellent vocals and an excellent pace that draw you along with out every hurrying your ears. Singer Luca has the perfect voice for the style and he soars effortlessly over the guitar and strings arrangement. It’s a powerful song and bodes well for this Italian three piece.

Satiricon - Crucify Your Mind

A really original sound from Brisbane, Australia. Satiricon present a fresh, back to the roots hip hop approach, with rapping over a dense bed of funk influence beats and tunes. It’s a mesmerising listen. Purists of the modern Hip hop persuasion might be horrified, but you can hear the real roots of the form under this great, great song. I can’t imagine that Satiricon will be hiding out in Brisbane for very much longer.  This is a really amazing song that crosses genres and boundaries with ease. Some reminders of Beck at his eclectic best in here as well, exploring the roots of music and re-delivering them with a twist. Nice one lads.

Every Other Sunday - Meet Alice

EOS is a three piece from Oxfordshire in the UK and look to their roots for bands in the UK like the Clash and The Undertones. Their influences oscillate between the punk and the Indie sounds of the past and the present. And they play a kind of high-speed and choppy guitar driven style that will without doubt have you looking for the dancefloor. "Meet Alice" is a quirky, jumpy number with some cool bass hooks and an intriguing vocal deliver. They’re new, but they are moving fast. Keep an eye out.

The United Kingdom Of America - Indier than thou

The UKOA are going as punk, and in their sensibility and desire to provoke thought and reaction, they remain true to their roots. They play a fast Ska infused late seventies brand of UK punk, but present it with clarity and vision. This is no thrash mess that you’re gonna struggle to figure out. Instead its intelligent rousing stuff. Indier Than Thou is also a great piss take of the current crop of Indie kids, both bands and fans, as it takes the mickey out of the herd. 

Random Allies - Have Some Fun

Random Allies is a rock band based in Toronto, Canada. The musical unit centres around  songwriters Walter Lasky, vocals, guitar, and Ted Bonis, on lead electric guitars. Influenced by the best of American West Coast rock like Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, they have recently released their latest album, Thunder run. True to their intentions, the band is a smooth rock option that has all of those bases covered. Have Some Fun is a great barometer for the style of the band and gives vent to the an interesting, piano led rock anthem. They may wear their influences on their sleeve, but there is something else brewing here too.

The haunting singer songwriter Josh Aran above

Josh Aran - Blossom

Josh is a singer songwriter from Minneapolis in the USA and this track is from his third studio album, "Water to Wash Water Away". His haunting vocal and songwriting style will suck you gently in and force you to listen to what he has to say. If it wasn’t so mesmeric this might be just another singer guy with some cool songs, but there is definitely something more going on here. Blossom is an easy t listen to yet complex song. Certainly makes one keen to check out the back catalogue and see where this guy has come from.

NME fave the melodic balladeer Mike Rolland above

Mike Rolland - I Fell In Love With you

Blackpool based folk singer Mike Rolland has that typical bitter sweet English folk thing going for him." I Fell IN Love With You" is just him on voice and guitar, and yet its quiet simplicity will stick in your head and haunt your thoughts. He has been around for a while and played in more than a few bands, but has settled on the folk singer/solo project as his main vehicle for now. Mike Rolland was recently featured in the NME as part of the Matchbox Independent Bitz who said " Blackpool based acoustic artist MIKE ROLLAND was educated on The Beatles, Stones and Kinks and this shows in his dreamy, melodic and timeless acoustic songs. He once played a gig in a furniture showroom for Norman Cook and Zoe Ball. His great track “Fell in love with you” is featured on the “ Big Indie Comeback vol 3”. Top stuff !!

DISC 2

Dave Is Dead – Question

This four piece comes from Bath in the south of England and lists an impressive array of quirky artists as influences. The sound though is a kind of in your face art indie style: rhythmic and pulsing it’s an interesting mix. Adam and Ed, the principle members of the band,  met at high school and have had Dave Is dead going for some years. Although the addition of Bryn is a more recent development, they hope that it will keep the band going a lot longer! Question introduces there sense of humour and off beat style perfectly. "Early Blur meets Boo Radleys with even fuzzier guitars" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

The Smiling Strangers - Smile On Your Face

Well if this doesn’t put a smile on your face, then you’re in some serious trouble! An uplifting, gentle song with rousing keys and anthemic vocals. It’s a pretty cool summer time kind of song.  The Smiling Strangers are another one of those bands with members al over the place, and seeing as there are five of them, that is saying something ! Born out of the musical desires and ideas of Jeff Reynolds, the Smiling Strangers are now a full band in their own right. Look out for their second album out during March.

Dave Cullen feat Steve Jackson - What a time it was

This track is a completely feelgood 60's-esq  feel track with a Jeff Lynn-esq production featuring big slide guitars and a classic song that makes the listener feel oh so good. It's timeless, dreamy, epic, original and has a lovely beat that just guides along with ease. Written by songwriter extraordinaire Dave Cullen with guest vocals from Steve Jackson who has a deep, melodic and warm voice this track is a definite ear pleaser and perfect for those moments of nostalgia and looking back on fond memories. The other good thing about this track is that it doesn't try to follow any modern trends it's just pure good old fashioned songwriting with a classic British feel........excellent. 

Taking their name from Shaka's victorious Zulus and with a sound just as spikey it's The Victor Zulu's above 

The Victor Zulus - Irate Spiders

The Victor Zulu’s have only been around since the end of 2005 but they have been making quite a noise around themselves with gigs and wining competitions and what have you. They are a four piece from Manchester, into everything Indie, and this track, “Irate Spiders” is a typically jumpy, edgy example of their work. With a solid work ethic in place, and some good songwriting behind them, it won’t be long before there sound crosses out of the north and heads off everywhere else. 

Promised Eden - Bleed And Die

The band was formed in Massachusetts, USA after guitarist Patrick Keating and friend/drummer Mike Paquin hooked up with Keith Brindle on vocals. Once they found bass player Wayne Williams they had the ingredients for their won blend of heavy rock. The band has been gigging hard in their home town and released their debut CD "Guilt" themselves. They play hard, melodic rock and are looking to break out of their local scene into the international industry. " Serious hard hitting dark rock with powerful vocals and a serious rythm section" - Matchbox radio 24. 

The Risks - Make It Alright

This is a brand new band out of Kingston-Upon-Hull, England. Showcasing a guitar driven indie rock with attitude style, Make It Alright has enough laconic charm to get under the skin of the most sceptical listener. It’s not Indie, it’s not rock, but its a pleasing junction of the too. Good vocals and an excellent rhythm to the track make this more than just your average rock song.

East Garage - Plain and Sane

East Garage are barely a year old and hail from Orlando, Florida. After a myriad of line-up and style changes they have ended up here: in a kind of grunge rock hybrid, with an atypical sounds a whole lot of attitude. A four piece outfit, they are definitely still growing as an outfit, but Plain And Sane is a great indication of their intent.

Proper songwriter Aaron Weaver searching the streets for new life above

Aaron Weaver - New Life

This is the title track and first single from Aaron’s forthcoming album. A singer songwriter from Birmingham, Aaron combines his gentle voice with a lilting, drifting keyboard line to good effect in this song. Overall, strong composition and excellent dynamics and arrangement take this track to another level. As a lead single, this song suggests great things about the album to come. He was recently featured in the NME in the Independent Bitz and they said " AARON WEAVER is a melodicsongwriter from Birmingham who sings and plays on all of his records. The haunting track “ New Life ” is about a life changing operation andfeatures on the “Big Indie Comebackvol 3”. This dark, edgy and sensitive artist takes inspiration from real life. Look out for an album in the summer". 

JONES'N - I Want A Fast Ride

JONES'N is an independent 5-piece rock band from San Diego, California. Playing heavy rock that doesn’t fit comfortably into any of the major sub genres, they are making many friends with their live shows and performing all the way up the west coast of the USA from Mexico to Seattle.  With an album out and big plans for the future, they plan to take their brand of rock to the world. "I Want A Fast Ride" is the epitome of the bands approach: heavy but melodic, complex but to the point.

The dreamy and classic Andi Neate above

Andi Neate – Crash

Andi made her debut at the Mean Fiddler in London nearly 17 years ago and has been described as having the subtlety of Suzanne Vega combined Ani Difranco’s stage presence. 2006 she release her third debut album , "Paper Animals." The song Crash  is the first track from this album and displays Andi’s typically strong melodies and unique vocal tone. This is a beautiful and powerful song that shows off Andi’s experience and expertise top great effect. " Carefully crafted country-ish female artist with a voice to remember and a heartfelt presence" - Matchbox radio 24. 

The stunning Irish singer-songwriter Linda Coogan above

Linda Coogan - Where I Belong

A qualified luthier in the construction of Harps, guitars and other stringed instruments, Linda Coogan is both an extraordinary singer-songwriter and a consummate musician.  In fact, she plays her own hand crafted guitar and bouzouki on all the tracks of her soon to be release debut album, “Holding back.” "Where I belong" is led by the deep and smoky vocals of Coogan which float over the delicate folk style accompaniment. This is a traditional folk music revisited with modern passion and dedication and it’s a refreshing listen all round. "Proper organic folk tinged acoustic songs from this incredible artist" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

New Indie rockers Versus above

Versus – Tokyo

Recording a demo after being together for a year, Versus reckon their biggest influences are Travis and Oasis. The final sound you’ll hear here though, is a lot rougher and rock n' roll than that, as they express their own direction as well. Tokyo is a guitar driven lament that drives you along at a good clip.

Pink Lizards - One Night Only

The Pink Lizards are a bunch of young uns, all around 18 and hailing from Northamptonshire, England. All college students, they have been mates since high school and released two demo’s and their debut album, “Massive Small”. One Night Only is a rollicking pop rock tune filled with stops and starts and crazy highlights. Its party music that’s for sure and with so much hard work under the belt at eighteen, one can only feel that these boys will still go very far !

Pipers - Tonight Goodbye

On listening to this, you’d be hard pressed to guess these boys hail from Naples Italy, and not some small town in the UK.. it’s pure Brit pop in the best possible sense of the phrase. And while that may not make for much Italian roots music, it does mean that Pipers have real international appeal. Formed less than a year ago in Italy, this 4-piece outfit has clearly got something going for them. "Tonight Goodbye" is dramatic, beautiful and quite haunting, without doubt one of the best new songs I have heard in a while. " Guillemotts meets a darker Coldplay, epic Indie soundscapes" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

The Red rose cafe - The Sudoku Song

The Red Rose Cafe is the pseudonym of young Irish songwriter Philip Morrow. He has a solo album out entitled, The New Year Tapes and has been gigging around town to work his material. The Sudoku Song is an understated piece of subtle beauty that requires a couple of listen to appreciate. Philip’s vocal tone and delivery are unique and make for interesting listening in their own right. 

Vegas V.I.P - Bloodveins of New Orleans

Yes this music is a sleazy kind of rock n roll evocative of bad bars, risky women and late nights. But no, this is not some American band. Vegas VIP are from Goteborg, Sweden and are a five piece outfit determined to put some of the sleaze back into rock. Praise to be to god! Bloodveins of New Orleans has plenty of old school rock references and a great bluesy lilt that differentiates it clearly from most of the nu-school rock n roll bands. Great stuff indeed

Pastrami and the users - Eagle Eyed Fools

Not that you’d guess it from the monster sound, but Pastrami and the Users is a two piece from Tokyo Japan. Consisting of Ewkie Itoh (Vox, guitar, bass, drum programming) Nozomn Holybay (Bass) the guys jam funk and rock and electronica elements into a solid wall of intriguing sound. Eagle eyed Fools uses plenty of wah wah and even more attitude to become a real steam roller of a song. Forget the odd name, these guys know how to rock and roll!

Eglenn - Jay Sees Me

Eglenn is a French singer/song-writer and multi instrumentalist. On "Jay Sees Me", he puts down an acoustic guitar fronted ballade… melancholic and beautiful. You won’t hear his professed influences of Placebo and The Smashing Pumpkins here, but this is a still a powerful even though stripped song. Sometimes less is definitely more. 

Jamie Bradley - Far Away

Talanted songwriter Jamie delivers a lovely melodic acoustic ballad that is warm and emotional. The guitars chime in a sort of Wonderwall meets Travis sort of way while Jamie's voice sings in a heartfelt manner delivering a lovely sentimental feel. Then enter the lush strings that give this song a classic feel and almost bring the listener to tears ( speak for yourself I don't cry......no actually I feel a lump in the throat coming on - Ed ). In general this is a great little folky song that is soaked in emotion and melody........cool. Emerging from the second largest estate in Europe, the most industrialised region in Britain and of course the home of the "Parmo!" Jamie Bradley brings you his songs influenced by everyday life and the everyday issues that gives young adolescent people a good kick up the arse. This is good real music.......great stuff. 

SM2KILL - Become Wrath

At this stage still a one man project of Joe Burnett, although looking to recruit a full band, SM2Kill is far from your typical acoustic project. You can just hear the menace here waiting for the power of a full band to ignite the passion and emotion locked in the staccato delivery and the lyrics. Become Wrath is a dark and menacing number that is clearly well written. Its also pretty anti social, so be warned.