STAY IN THE BOX 2 our special Xmas album for 2007showcases a wide range of new Independent artists and bands from all over the world. From modern rock and pop to acoustic, electro, punk, hard rock, alt.country and alternative this compilation illustrates the huge choice of 100% Independent artists out there doing their own thing Independently and looking for airplay and coverage. 

Instead of having to sift through a huge pile of demos the modern Radio producer, journalist or A&R person can simply request a copy of a Matchbox compilation. This gives them instant access to a vast selection of new talent in one sitting.

BIOG'S AND REVIEWS 

"Stay in the Box 2" 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 SITB 2 bands and the full results can be seen below.

Disc 1

Hollyoaks soap star Ben Gerrard ( Cameron ) fronts the powerful and modern rock sensation MirrorView above. 

  MirrorView - The Last Ride

Delivering a driving pop-rock blend, English band MirrorView appear to have good cause to boast of their work ethic and commitment to making a career out of their music. There are hooks and licks, and plenty of power. It might not be the most original sound in the world, but if commercial success is what you seek, too much deviation from the current market formula is not what you want. Simple, powerful melodies with powerful anthemic hooks: it’s a good formula, and this one works nicely. MirrorView have already been featured on Channel 4, Channel M and T4 Popworld. They consist of Ben Gerrard (Guitar/Vocals), James Robinson (Bass/Backing Vocals), Owen Beard (Drums/Backing Vocals). 

http://www.myspace.com/mirrorview

The massive and catchy wall of sound that is Goodbye Motel above. 

  Goodbye Motel - All That Bad

From Melbourne Australia, Goodbye Motel deliver a powerful indie pop sound topped off with a great voice and driving guitar.  Resist the temptation to assume they are like any other Aussie band you might have heard before. They present an international sound, while maybe including that something extra that marks them out. There are enough dynamics in the arrangements to make it more interesting than your average crash bang outing, and the sonic weave is densely satisfying. Ringing guitars, rich reverberating vocals and mysterious lyrics: man what a combination!

www.goodbyemotel.com 

The very talented and melodic Itamar in action above.

Itamar - You were Right

Itamar hails from Israel and cut his teeth gigging around that country with his band The Grip before venturing out as a solo proposition. This song is a whimsical pop song with a hypnotic rhythm and catchy guitar hook. Itamar is one of those indie artists who actually sing as opposed to delivering his lyrics, giving him a somewhat old school sound and feel. Don’t be fooled by that though, this is a pretty powerful pop song, and one that remains echoing about in your head.

http://www.myspace.com/itamarts

The very cool Strangers in Paradise above

Strangers in Paradise - I know why

When this big guitar riff of “I Know Why” kicks in, your going to think Big Country for sure, and these Aussie boys DO seem to have a fair amount in common with that legendary Scottish outfit when it comes to writing rousing, ringing songs. This song drives along at a vivid pace from start to finish, without ever seeming urgent or forced, and has a symmetrical arrangement that brings all the best bits back into the mix at the right times. It’s easy to see why the Aussie press like them: they are definitely a proposition.

www.strangersinparadise.com.au

Croatia's hot new sensation Invert above

Invert – De ja vu

A four piece from Croatia, Invert certainly like to play it fast! De Ja Vu thunders along at a pace, with a weirdly syncopatic rhythm that lies half way between compelling and unsettling. But the break out into the powerful chorus soon tells you which you want it to be. This is pure rock music, no frills or fuss, with great gravely lead vocals and the obligatory guitar solo. If you like your rock straight and simple you’re going to love this band!

www.invert-music.com

The lovely Kate Bush-esq solo artist Kristina Lovice Eriksen above 

Kristina Lovice Eriksen - In The Night

This roaringly anthemic ballade showcases a voice reminiscent of Kate Bush in terms of tone and power that soars and sweeps through the higher reaches while maintaining a gravely power in the lower. In The Night is one of those songs that effortlessly conjures images of dark nights and heartbreak. Kristina certainly has a voice on her, and the power of the song serves to highlight and compliment her vocal skills. Despite the Kate Bush reference, she has a compelling allure of her own.

Krishna Black Eagle, Cherokee singer and new rock sensation pictured after supporting Elton John. 

Krishna Black Eagle - Living Hell

The sound of Krishna Black Eagle harks back to the bad old days when male vocalists were rough and wild, and a song wasn’t a song without a solo break and a heavy, repetitive chorus. “Living Hell” is an old school monster in this mould that rockets along with plenty of verve and feeling and roaring guitars.  There is no lack of passion or commitment here, and fans of the old school of rock will undoubtedly love this one. "Krishna Black Eagle is a traditional and genuine artist with a strong rock spirit and potent melodies that stick in your head" - Matchbox radio 24. Krishna recently supported Elton John to a 22,000 strong audience and received rave reviews in the press. Click here to see it. Look out for the amazing debut album " Phoenix Rising" through Matchbox Recordings in early 2008 and check out the incredible video by clicking here.  

http://www.myspace.com/phoenixkrishna  

  The Crazy Majority – Crack

The brainchild of Briton Martin Sherlock The Crazy Majority is a crazy, fun-filled and uplifting ska outfit. With that distinctive ska-style vocal, they deliver an infectious rhythm with catchy lyrics and some great brass. And no, this is not a drug song! Stylistically it refers back more to the original Jamaican ska than to the new wave of 80’s ska that enveloped the UK. As a result it has a refreshing and honest feel that will find a home somewhere deep inside your head.

http://www.myspace.com/thecrazymajority

The extremely talented songwriter and singer Jamie Kimmett. 

Jamie Kimmett – Special

With a strong R&B, soul style, Jamie stands out on this compilation. Not just because of the difference in style. Combining a slick R&B production feel with acoustic guitar and a truly good voice, Jamie weaves a special sound. The UK has produced some amazing soul singers in the past and we think Jamie may just add to that. In places slightly reminiscent of Jamiroquai in its jazziness, Special is what it says. " A real stylish, sophisticated and soulful talent in the making" - Matchbox Radio 24.  

www.myspace.com/jamiekimmett

The eclectic new stars Whitehouse live in action above.

Whitehouse - Nobody to blame

With a distinctive Latin feel courtesy of the vocals and guitar style, Whitehouse actually hail from Germany. This bizarre combination of facts results in an infectious, lilting groove that will definitely have your tail bone twitching and your hips swinging. It’s simple music, but clear and powerful. The acoustic sound is a nice change from the overdriven power of most of today’s modern Indie pop, and this is a well written charming song that is worth the ear time.

www.whitehouse-music.com

Melodioc Australian songwriter  Simon Astley 

Simon Astley- Shopping Mall

Simon is a singer song-writer from Tasmania, Australia. His piano led compositions and narrative lyrics are aimed at making a personal impact on his listeners. With plenty of experience in writing and playing behind him, Simon has been on the Australian scene for a few years already now. "Shopping Mall" is a slightly nostalgic whimsical journey, complete with tugging viola parts and the ringing piano sound that ahs become his trademark. The perfect sleepy afternoon soundtrack.

www.myspace.com/simonastleymusic

  The Vale - Last Chance

Delicate, emotive and powerful are the three words that sprang to mind immediately on the first listen to this track. Essentially a collaboration of two artists Paul Carter and Kevin Cousineau, the Vale combines strong song-writing with convincing delivery and production values to create a dense yet acoustic sound. A somewhat less than usual vocal sound is the crowning glory on an impressive song. The Vale will surely emerge fro the Shadow of their current resting place to be heard a lot more by all of us.

www.myspace.com/thevaleband

  The 21st Agenda - Bury The Ghost

These lads come from Glasgow and call themselves a punk band. And while their content might be pretty punk, you certainly won’t hear a stereotypical rendition of standard punk sound here. Harking more towards some of the best anthemic post-punks acts from the UK in the 80’s, 21^st Agenda have developed a powerful driving sound that should not be confused with punk, no matter how much the thinking might influence them. The great vocals combined with a powerful band give them an interesting edge and they clearly have something to say, so best you listen!

www.myspace.com/21stagenda 

  Karaoke Fish Tank – Spies

A twin vocal attack, one male, one female, gives Karaoke Fish Tank that quintessential something else that so many new bands lack. A kind of unstructured noisy pop approach is something else all together. This is nice, messy power-pop in the vein of early Yeah Yeah Yeahs or Mouldy Peaches. This is raw and direct stuff. Sparsely scattered guitar and great vocals scoot over a bed of driving drums and bass guitar to give the overwhelmingly cool final finish. There is a need to listen out for more by this lot.

http://www.myspace.com/karaokefishtank   

One of the Midlands finest new bands The Knowing above.

The Knowing - Dark Clouds

The Knowing is a four piece from the Midlands of England. They play a melodic pop, redolent with great harmonies and BIG choruses. It is actually over all a pretty big sound, with plenty of nice warm and full guitars, all underpinned by a very steady rhythm section. Dark Clouds is a well structured and catchy tune that will have you tapping your foot almost immediately and going “Bada pa pa pa” in the chorus after the second repeat. Tasty, very tasty!

http://www.myspace.com/theknowing  

  Frisky Bison Presents - Sleepless nights

This song is a meanie, do not be fooled by that lovely acoustic intro, it’s a stinking big bad metal track in disguise! Man, these boys know how to drop a change on your head in such a way that you are not only grateful for the change but that you wouldn’t want it any other way! Blending shredding metal guitar with some kind of indie vocal sensibility, Frisky Bison Presents have come up with a Screamo final product that will have the eye liner kids weeping with joy.

http://www.myspace.com/friskybisonpresents

Haunting new rock band Reemo above.

Reemo - Rushin' Man

Reemo are in the process of rushing off the Emerald Isle with their sound… a bold, big thing that pulsates with menace and drama. Theirs is an epic sound full of soaring guitar and strangely detached and menacing vocals. This song is quite an achievement. It manages to be huge, lowering and menacing without ever coming off like Meatloaf. You can hear why people are impressed with this lot. To see the amazing music video click here. 

 http://www.myspace.com/reemotheband  

Inner Voices - Kite Runner

Otherwise known as Adam Brierly, Inner Voices is electro pop wedded to the kind of sound you know well from big west end rock musicals: full of melodrama and statement. Plenty of big crescendos from keyboards, guitar drums AND vocals, this is very emotive music, powered by an electronic sub text.

http://www.myspace.com/adamdbrierley  

Hot new Irish rock band Triton Bloom. 

Triton Bloom - Faster than the speed of light

Another Irish band, Triton Bloom nod to the burgeoning history of rock with this stirring song. It’s a mid tempo song, driven almost entirely by the vocal line. Classic rock is definitely the most accurate way to describe their sound, another musical look over the shoulder. Not bad, but unfortunately let down by overly clichéd lyrics for the most part.

http://www.myspace.com/tritonbloommusic  

Talented Lennon-esq guitarist, singer and songwriter Dylan lee Jones in protest song mode above. 

  Dylan Lee Jones - She Feels Free

A self taught singer/song writer from England, Dylan Lee Jones has come up with an eerie and unique style of delivery of his songs. "She feels free" is quite a creepy song, and it gets under your skin like cold shivers… instantly memorable. Consisting entirely of acoustic guitar and voice this track has an uncanny ability to penetrate the psyche, a testament to the power of the song writing of the man. It might be eerie, but it’s damn good!

www.myspace.com/dylanleejones 

Disc 2

Proper songwriter and NME Independent Bitz fave Andy McKerlie is welfare-state

Welfare-State - The Traveller

Welfare State is the musical vehicle for the ambitions of Andy McKerlie, an Englishman with plenty of experience in the music biz, now looking to achieve something more with his writing. Andy reckons his songs are about everyday life and experience, and this is probably what underpins the easy-on-the-ear feel of this particular song. It’s clear and concise with no frills to clutter the song itself. Driven by acoustic guitar backed up with a full band, this is a folk rock song of excellence. Look out for more from Andy.

http://www.myspace.com/welfarestateband

  The Modesty – Specklbeak

Driving modern rock from an English band is a rarity in its own right. The kind of west coast, LA swagger these guys manage to transmit is even rarer still. Specklbeack is a take-no-prisoners kinda song, with plenty of aggression, but a great break-down hidden away in there as well. In line with their back to basics philosophy, The Modesty shows off a modern interpretation of the best classic rock styles and approaches. It rock, of that there is no doubt.

www.myspace.com/themodestysurrey 

Croatia's finest rock heroes rocking the masses above.

Pars Petrosa - Devil Brain

The second Croatian act on this collection of songs, Pars Petrosa prefers to deviate a bit from the norm than to recreate older, well established styles. Incorporating all sorts of instruments, including native creation stringed instruments, into a basic rock set up, they create a style that is inviting and unique, but recognisable at the same time. The inclusion of a great vocalist with some intriguing lyrics completes the parcel which is one that you’ll be keen to unpack with your ears.

www.parspetrosa.com

Doug and Brian from The Breakers above. 

The Breakers - The Ballad Of Middle Management

A chirpy poppy number, The Ballade Of Middle Management is off The Breakers album, "Songs For Young Executives". Based around the long standing musical partnership of Doug Bykrit and Brian Zielie, this English band create a mellow pop rock sound that is up tempo and uplifting. Understated and restrained, The Ballade showcases their taste in all things pop and rock while not betraying too many of their immediate influences.

www.thebreakersmusic.com

Brighton's hottest new hopes Without Warrant live in action above. 

Without Warrant – Superego

Three piece rock outfit Without Warrant hail from Brighton and show all of the muscle and power you would never expect from this English coastal resort! Superego has real punching power, with a great rhythm section and seriously massive guitar sound. Thankfully their vocalist does live up to the power of the band and the end result is a real snorter of a rock track. Dynamically interesting as well, this track makes great promise on behalf of the band.

www.myspace.com/withoutwarrant

  John Hampson feat Dave Loughran - Far Far Away

John Hampson hails from Portsmouth on the south coast of England (birth place apparently of Joe Jackson and Peter sellers) The song Far, Far, Away, is a gentle pop song comprised surprisingly (considering John Composes on the piano) primarily of a repetitive guitar riff. The motive is clear and simple: hooks, riffs and melody! And he underpins it with some great harmonies too. It will be interesting to see where Mr Hampson takes this, a strong pop song, with great promise.

www.myspace.com/johnhampsonandfriends

  San Froyd - Lady The ..

A funk rock outfit from Leeds in England, San Froyd like to rock it out and mix it up. Lady The is a great example of their approach: with a banging bass line and up tempo pacing, it rockets along at quite a pace. You’re probably thinking Red Hot Chili Peppers clone, and you’d be wrong. They’ve got something a bit different there. They are raw and rough, only having been formed in August 2007, but you can see great promise oozing from their pores!

http://www.myspace.com/sanfroyd

The vibrant, powerful and sexy Melanie Jean above 

Melanie Jean - Ain't Over Yet

Having cut her teeth with FunkAgelic in 2004/2005, Melanie Jean has struck out solo with her own blend of soul, dance and pop. It Ain’t Over yet is a slick production, redolent with the phat Urban bass and smooth vocals you’d expect from the genre. Toss in an elaborate rock guitar solo and you suddenly have something a little unexpected. Melanie has a great Urban voice and she sits well in this new vehicle, I reckon we’re going to be hearing plenty more from her soon.

www.myspace.com/melaniejeanofficial

  Kizz Mac ft Stevey Chan - Get it Crackin'

A drop dead funky rap in the Freak Style tradition, Get It Crackin will have your tail swinging. Kizz Mac drops some mean rhymes over an acid jazz base so groovy your grandma is going to get on down to this one. It rolls, slips and slides along effortlessly. The kind of cross over sound that every aims for and few achieve, this choon is a cracker for sure. Get down!

The mysterious and captivating artist Catman Cohen making a very rare appearance above. 

 Catman Cohen - How I Want to Die

The mysterious and intriguing Catman Cohen is a Canadian born, California based artist and that is about all there is to know about him. Claiming to have discovered the Yaweh chord upon which all his music is based, Cohen is a secretive and reclusive artist. Creator of the Catman Chronicles, he creates melodic yet sombre music designed to make you think and we assure you it does. Think Chris Rear and Nick Cave on holiday with Leonard Cohen watching a Tarantino movie. This thought provoking tune about how he wants to die has a chilling feel but with an underlying sense of humour.  We think it's quite unique " A brilliant spine tingling deep voiced eery classic that should be a horror film soundtrack but who is Catman Cohen ? " - Matchbox Radio 24. 

www.catmancohen.com

  Sound From Silence - Spinning Tops

A drifting, haunting electronica opening slides into a sparse vocal and guitar section and you’re hooked into this gentle song. It may be hard to figure out what Sound from silence ultimately are trying to achieve in terms of the sound they want to push, but the electronically underpinned basics of this track are great. It’s a brave track, all open spaces and delicately applied musical touches. And that is precisely what makes it very listenable. Be nice to hear more.

Electro pioneers Lightsource above

LightSource - Symphony of stars

The brainchild of an as yet nameless Englishman, Lightsource is an electronic project, complete with voice synthesiser and plenty of those lovely keyboard rising tones. I guess it reminds me most of Robert Miles’ Children. It’s got that kind of hypnotically uplifting sound only electronic artist can seem to achieve. It’s great, really clear and fun, and far from being annoying, the heavily effected voice is a big plus.

www.myspace.com/lightsourceelectronic

  Michael Jameson band - Summer Love

Michael Jameson’s sound is primarily an infectious funk/fusion with a strong rhythm section underpinning just about everything. Jameson is a well established studio artist now escaping into the real world with the live band and his album, Summer Love. While technically this track cannot be faulted, it’s not the most original sound, with plenty of nods both lyrically and sonically to the funk fusion hits of the past, especially the eighties. But if you like it funky and punchy, then this boys your man.

Acoustic, dreamy pop troubadour Scott Olgard live above.

Scott Olgard - The warm up VS the Letdown

An acoustic side project for Scott these acoustic songs are haunting and powerful. The very sparseness of these tracks is their power. And The Warm Up vs is a great song: jangly in places, ethereal in others. The result is a song that seriously moves, both in a structural sense and emotively. Scott has a voice ideally suited to this kind of song-writing. More is definitely required, and I’d be pretty interested to hear the full band he apparently has as well!

www.myspace.com/scottolgard  

  Wish you well - B Movie

Wish You Well is the creation of multi-instrumentalist performer/songwriter Aidan who is based in Cornwall England. Apparently he plays more than twenty instruments and performs all the music on the ‘B Movie’ recording. This instrumental number is no doubt intended to elicit the kind of imagery in ones head that Tarantino has trawled for years in his movies. Unfortunately, due to its plodding beat and awkward changes, it lives up to the B nature, but not exactly Tarantino cool. " A must for all horror movie soundtracks" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

www.myspace.com/wishyouwellband

Portugal's eclectic rock, jazz, metal super heroes Double Damage above.

Double Damage - No Control

A four-piece from Lisbon Portugal, Double Damage have created a weird hybrid of styles that harks back all over the place. Picture the bass work of Mick Karn (Japan) melted into some serious heavy metal guitar, jazz off beat drums and a droning then shrieking vocal that travels all the way from Pete Murphy to Axel Rose. Interesting. Weird. And very powerful. Very keen to hear more from these guys to see where they go with it, but certainly unique, Double Damage look set to get serious.

www.myspace.com/doubledamage  

Inspiring British singer/songwriter Alan Proctor above. 

Alan Proctor-Two Minds

Singer/song writer Alan Proctor hails from Coventry in the UK and sings about the life and times of being stuck in a dead end town. Characteristically then, his songs are pretty melancholic, utilising harmonica and keyboards to create a new version of that uniquely English object: the uplifting miserable song. Accomplished enough, there is no doubt that Alan Proctor will soon move on from his home town as he so obviously yearns… how far he will go remains to be seen.

www.myspace.com/alanproctormusic

The multi talented John " Jay Jay" McDermott above choosing what guitar to play next.

The Jay Jays – Follow

The Jay Jays consist of one man, John McDermott.  John writes all the music and lyrics, provides the vocals and plays the drums, bass, rhythm and lead guitar.  He plays at local pubs in the West end of Glasgow and his first album is on sale in an independent record shop in Cresswell Lane. The Jay Jays main influences include Nirvana and more recently, the Chilis and the Foos.  Most of his work has been written over the past five years and he has recorded six albums in total. 

The cool pop band Zeroize above 

Zeroize - A Licence To Fly

From Birmingham, England, Zeroize are a four piece rock band with an eye on Indie style and old-school song-writing skills. They deliver a cool lo-fi pop song that reminds us of very early Boo Radleys mixed with an Indie Deacon Blue. The vocals are melodic and grow on you with each play while the guitars are screechy and Smith's-esq with a flowery Indie sheen.  

www.myspace.com/zeroize