“STAY IN THE BOX" showcases a wide range of new Independent artists and bands from all over the world. From rock and pop to acoustic, electro, punk, hard rock, 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. Listen out for bands from the U.K, U.S.A, Mexico and all over Europe. 

BIOG'S AND REVIEWS 

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

The melodic genius of " THWFOS". 

Their Hearts were full of Spring - A Question of trust

Uplifting, beautiful pop for the disillusioned and faint hearted. It's hard to really say any more than that. THWFOS are a great big, crazy happy band and A Question of trust is a great example of their craft. Renowned for unpredictable live shows, eclectic tastes and an advanced opposition to the mainstream culture of mediocrity, this band demands to be looked out for and listened to. So best you do!

www.myspace.com/theirheartswerefullofspring 

Mexico's finest Indie rockers Sexy Marvin in the studio ( above ) 

Sexy Marvin – Follow

This is an incredible three-piece band from Leon, Mexico. And their sound is, well its different. Follow is a rollicking, piano driven number with excellent baritone vocals and an awesome sing along harmonic chorus. It will make you think of Nick Cave at times, but also at times New Model Army while sounding completely nothing like either of the two. Enigmatic and fun, Sexy Marvin are a very cool band. Might be time to go and find some more of their music somewhere. John from Sexy Marvin recently played with Coldplay when they toured in Mexico ( see below ) and when they told the Coldplay guys they were signed to Matchbox they said " Yeah we know Matchbox they're cool". Well thanks Coldplay, we used to have an office a floor above where Coldplay recorded the " Yellow" demo and always predicted they would be huge. If the world has justice it'll be Sexy Marvin next for world domination. 

Coldplay in Mexico with a Sexy Marvin member 

www.myspace.com/semar7 ( Sexy Marvin on MySpace ) 

The Sound on the station ( above ) 

The Sound On The Station - Same Old Tart

This noisy three piece wandered in from Wigan with a brash mix-up of modern pop sounds and a breezy kind of energy that was hard to resist. It’s bouncy, fun and very well done. Hard to believe that the lads have only been together since January of 2007, as this is a pretty polished sound they’ve put together. While of course one hopes they grow up to get better and better, I hope its not at the price of this exuberance which really makes this record stand out from and endless steaming pile of new wannabee indie bands. Nice one lads!

www.myspace.com/thesoundonthestation

Brighton's eclectic self made Indie superstar The Brigadier 

The Brigadier - Some sort of magic

Based in Brighton, England, welsh-born Matt Williams is The Brigadier. And from this seaside town at the tip of the island, he is infecting the world with his pop music. Self-recorded, self financed, self released, Matt has done it all his own way this time round. Some Sort of magic is a gentle, easy pop song, flighted by synths, delicate rhythms and a great, breathy vocal delivery. Its no wonder Alan McGee likes his stuff, its great!

www.myspace.com/brigadiermusic

Die Pretty – Summertime

Pure, crazy noise pop from this Abingdon based trio. It’s short, sharp and to the point. Thank you Husker Du, thank you the Jesus and Mary Chain: for these are the things that follow on from you. Despite the wall of noise guitar approach, there is great melody and a lightness that you may not expect. Expect to hear a lot more from these kids as they wade their way through the current indie flood. 

"Lovely noise from Indie rock heaven with a twist of Breeders, Sonic Youth and Pixies, by far one of Oxfordshire's best kept secrets" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

Sunwheel Psychedelic - Jump In My Face

Describing Sunwheel Psychedelic is not the easiest thing in the world. This track is driven along with an insistent snare drum rhythm that, if it weren’t for the power of the vocals and the meanness of the driving bass under it, might just get on your nerves. But thanks to strong vocal reminiscent of the Cult, you just bop along with it regardless. I guess what that means is that it is one catchy damn song. Like it, like it a lot!

www.sunwheelpsychedelic.com

http://www.myspace.com/sunwheelpsychedelic

The incredibly fantastic and zany rock genius Richard Ronk above 

The Richard Ronk Band - Oppressive Government

American Richard Ronk is a rare animal: a drummer with plenty of song writing ideas, and one who has then taken these ideas and gone and made an album out of them. This song is a driving monster, with an insistent beat and repetitive guitar work that really gets the heartbeat up and your head thinking of partying. Nice stuff. Maybe we should all let more drummers write the songs?

www.myspace.com/therichardronkband  
www.therichardronkband.com

The Orange Strips - Madras (Come Again)

Hailing from that well known front of great rock music, Croatia, The Orange Strips have crafted a unique and powerful sound as showcased on this track, Madras. The Hammond organ backdrop against which the guitar and bass fuelled song unfolds has a magical touch. Intriguing and slightly different vocal delivery also takes this song from being just another rock track to something that makes you stop and listen that bit more carefully. Very 60's esq this is cool. 

www.theorangestrips.com

The dreamy, mysterious, goth-esq  Moldig above

Moldig - Horizon

Moldig are a top rock duo hailing from Canavese in Italy.  Enrico and Guiditta play the guitars and bass, with Giuditta providing the vocals. It’s a dark, hypnotic sound, but a simple and straightforward one that is pretty absorbing. More proof, as if we still needed it, that great rock music can come from pretty much anywhere. Don’t you just love the internet ? "This track is a dreamy, meandering and different song with ethereal goth like qualities" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

www.myspace.com/moldig

Proper balladeer master and popstar in his own right Paul Linn. 

Paul Linn - Nothing can end

If you are a totally serious synth pop fan from the 80’s you might recognise Bill Bryant's talents and skills on this track. Bill was the guy who wrote the lyrics to Howard Jones’ brilliant and seminal album " Human's Lib" and the huge hit “What Is Love ?”. He is now working with the talented artist Paul Linn and you can hear his magic in progress. Paul was once part of top 80's band "Last Word" who had major success touring the U.K in the 80's. After meeting Bill in High Wycombe Paul decided to concentrate on his solo efforts and "Nothing can end" is one of the first ever tracks to be released from this partnership. ( WOW, was that Bill guy the one who wanted to go to bed with a hundred men and woman and lose his head in drink and lust ?....sounds like my type of guy genius stuff -Ed ) . Paul Linn shows that his touch for poignant synth pop has not faded with the years and delivers a heartfelt, touching ballad that is euphoric and sentimental. Paul states Howard Jones as a major influence but this stands up as a seriously good and powerful song and production in it's own right. This is a more somberly paced ditty than much of his early material, but it still has that emotional kick that had you slow dancing way back in the eighties. Excellent. 

" A touch of true genius. An honest, melodic and moving synth ballad" - Matchbox Radio 24. 

http://www.paullinn.fsnet.co.uk/

The very talented Daz Claxton lamenting the fields above. 

Darren Claxton – Friends

Darren describes himself as a folk artist who writes and plays all of his own material. But the truth is that the sound he creates crosses over out into more than just the folk music scene. Friends is a great example of this, with its old-world folky feel that is welded fast to an excellently accessible pop music sound. Darren’s been around a while, but it sounds like he’s gotten a sound together now that’ll work for him. Darren records everything himself on his own at home on a porta studio but it sounds like it's come out of Abbey Road so we think his production talents should get a mention also. Proper songwriter at his best.....excellent. 

www.myspace.com/claxtonmusic

The extremely talented 18 year old Michael Christou above ( 18 ? No way this sounds like the work of a very experienced artist this guy has a very bright future - Ed ) 

Michael Christou - Black Dots

A piano-led ballad, Black dots showcases Michael’s voice well, and, as is the case with any really good ballad, allows the listener complete access to the lyrics. Michael started playing piano when he was four, and you can hear this instrumental excellence clearly in this track: its not over stated or showy, its just clearly really good. Black Dots is just one of the songs that Michael has recorded for his first album, which you can find on his website:

www.michaelchristou.com

Billy Skinner is session above 

 Billy Skinner - Tomorrow's Sun 

Billy was an army brat, who grew up on the move. None the less, you can hear where he spent most of his time: in the South of the States. Tomorrow’s Sun is the title track of his debut album. It is a lyrical rock track prominently featuring Billy’s clear vocals over a jangling southern guitar sound and solid rhythm section. For a late starter, Billy seems to be catching up just fine.

www.tomorrowssun.com

The powerful, poppy punksters Felix Jones above 

 Felix Jones – Afterworld

A three piece rock band from Chicago Illinois, Felix Jones specialise in a happy go lucky rock sound that is underpinned by a poppy punk feel and some nice eclectic guitar overtures. Afterworld is as such a great showcase of their sound: catchy, light hearted and fun. It also demonstrates their best asset: finely crafted and well executed close vocal harmonies.

www.myspace.com/felixjonesmusic 

The anthemic rock heroes Ten Percenter ( above ) 

Ten Percenter - Blister Finger

This is an English based trio that is looking for that big moment so they can break out. With some very credible critical acclaim behind them already, it shouldn’t be too long before you hear more from Jay, Thom and G. Blister Finger is a slow, driving rock anthem finished off by some excellent vocals from Jay and consistently powerful backing from the rest of the band. It’s pretty dark in there, but the moments of break out are crystal clean and clear. Would love to hear more from these guys.

www.myspace.com/tenpercenter06

Birdfishmen ( above ) are Finlands hottest exports at the moment

Birdfishmen - All I Got

This alternative rock band comes from Finland. Formed in Helsinki in 2000, the four members have been working and hanging together for the last fifteen years. Their trademark smooth, powerful sound was developed out of a shared love of music and all things Finnish. All I got is almost a ballad, almost an anthem, and as a result is a highly emotive, powerful rack, that uplifts and saddens all at once. An interesting mix of eclectic modern music that stays with you. 

http://www.myspace.com/birdfishmen

Bournemouth's cool Safehouse above 

The Safehouse – Lists

From Bournemouth on the south coast of the UK, Safehouse are a three piece indie band. And although loosely speaking the Indie tag fits, they have a unique sound that goes a bit further than the normal wham bam Indie feel. Waves of cymbals and insistent rhythm guitar merge to form a wash of guitar that underpins the vocal lead. Lists is a slow paced, well orchestrated number that gives the listener a good feel for the range of the band and their intentions. 

www.myspace.com/thesafehouse 

The stunning and powerful Janice Doll rock the house down above 

Janice Doll - London Please

Don’t be fooled by the name, Janice Doll are four Brazilian lads, who have come together to create some riotous noise. A wall of guitars meet soaring anthemic vocals in London Please to bring the ear a pretty damn fine song. The key lies in the cunning breakdowns following the rousing choruses. Nice work indeed. They are also not afraid to head off into some Rage Against The Machine territory with some great rapping over the middle eight. Very interesting… Watch out for their visit to the UK soon.

www.myspace.com/janicedollband 

Tower Hill - Jobless (Remix)

Tower Hill is a recording duo from London, England, although the two concerned, Joe Public and Dr. Sloane seem to have met there by accident, drifting in from somewhere else. The sound of Tower Hill is equally eclectic, fusing an MC style vocal over a drum beat that oscillates from conventional rock 4/4 into drum and bass and beyond. It’s pretty dark and menacing, with a hint of humour: very interesting stuff that no doubt will mutate further and come back even better. 

Ohio's super cool Nathan Hiltner above 

Nathan Hiltner - How does it feel ?

Nathan comes from Ohio in the USA and plays stripped down acoustic pop. How Does It Feel is a clean and clever song that sticks in the head with its whimsical feel and plain construction. Nathan himself is reluctant to describe his style as any one thing in particular, but its great acoustic singer-songwriter stuff and its main strength is the quality of the song writing itself, rather than the simple delivery.

www.myspace.com/nathanhiltner

Henley's hot new act Different Reasons 

Different Reasons - Crazy Fool

From the banks of the Thames in Oxfordshire, England, this three piece bring you an acoustic blend of sounds and styles in a dreamy, laid back style. Crazy Fool is not a typical love song, in that its disconnected, meandering feel hints at more that a craze of love. The brushes on the drums proposal the song forward to its conclusion, while an almost sardonic vocal line drifts across a bread of noodling acoustic guitar. Different, with hints of much more to come.

www.differentreasons.co.uk

Hotel De Ville above 

Hotel De Ville – Millenia

Hotel De Ville is the vehicle for singer and composer Rhett Brewer. This track, Millenia, is lifted from his latest album of the same name on which every track is recorded at 60bpm, the same speed as the human heart. Brewer has an enormous pedigree and several albums and soundtracks to his credit. This new materials is as ever, seductive, mysterious and haunting. With strong reference to Film Noir and 60’s French pop, its not the kind of thing you put on while going out, but rather what you’d listen to on the way home.

http://www.hotel-de-ville.com


Disc 2

Norway's metal rock gods Toxic in hard rock pursuit above 

Toxic - Live On

Metal from Norway. You know what’s coming next. Yes, it’s the thundering rhythms, squealing guitars, dramatic vocals and image rich lyrics, all done very tidily and well. Classic style metal with all the frills. The guys are off to the States to have a look see, and I have no doubt they’ll go down a treat. Metal really is making quite a comeback, especially this glam kind of version, look out for it!

www.myspace.com/toxicnorway

Cult superstar Tommy Frenzy above 

Tommy Frenzy - I love my car

With all this old school reflection going on, its cool to have someone who IS old school on the album. Tommy’s band Tuff Darts was around New York in the early CBGB days, and he has played with all the old voices of that era. I love My Car, from his other band is one of those classic sounding new tunes that sounds like it came from a different planet. Hard, yet whimsical. This is almost synth pop in parts, but its harder and stranger than that. Give it a listen, see if you can wrap your head around it.

www.myspace.com/tommyfrenzy

The incredible retro Rock troubadour's Soldier above  

Soldier - Live for today

Seriously old school rock this, which I hardly surprising when this five-piece from Coventry in the UK claims Led Zeppelin, Free and The Who as their major influences. It’s a pretty true rendition of the style as well, with the distinctive guitar work and BIG drum sound of the era. So if classic rock is your bag, you will have just found yourself some nice new stuff to listen to.

www.myspace.com/soldiersmusic

The supertastic riffing EB11 above 

EB11 – She

This track kicks off with a hugely catchy guitar riff that echoes its way through the entire song. EB 11 backs this up with a powerful vocals and emotive lyrics. Of Venezuelan and American descent, EB 11 bends genres together to come up with his sound which is neither metal nor straight rock, but a smooth amalgam of both. His is an epic rock voice in the tradition of power rock over the last twenty years.

www.myspace.com/eb11music 

Stylish Indie guitar grunge-esq gods of sound Blag'ard above 

Blag’ard - Friends like you

The bio of Blag’ard is right (which is rare) these guys are very hard to pigeonhole. Here sits a drums, guitar and vocals only set up (but not it doesn’t sound like the White Stripes) and yes they are Americans, but no, they don’t sound like much of the American Indie coming out right now. It’s simple, powerful, honest and clear. Friends Like You is a rollicking number with some cunning rhythm changes and an interesting structure. For such limited instrumentation to hold the wear for long enough to let the song end, you know they’ve got something. Nice, listen for more!

http://www.blagard.com

Scottish Heavy metal/rock leaders Wired Desire 

Wired Desire - No One Sleeps

If you though Heavy metal was dead and had a problem with that, well, you’re in luck! This Scottish 5-piece is just that: pure unadulterated metal!. They have been carving a name for themselves across the UK, playing live shows, biker rallies and raising mayhem wherever they go. This is old school metal, none of that Nu Metal angst here thank you! Kieran, Jam Eddy, Danny and Jeeves range in age from 19 to 21, so we can expect plenty more fireworks from them. Their myspace page is already receiving ludicrous amounts of traffic, so go and check it out:

www.myspace.com/wireddesireband

 
Guitars don't Fly - The End

Scots lads Guitars Don’t Fly describe themselves as flying the flag for old school rock. Thankfully this doesn’t mean that they sound like every other band that is heading into the musical past for inspiration. Instead, GDF present a refreshingly clear new voice with yes, some nods to the old greats. But its their own stuff that you can hear on The End. Gruff vocals, but belted not whispered, guitar bass and drums: good honest stuff. Won’t be long before these boys head South from their Loch and make an impression on the scene.

One Room Down - Totally Wasted

Another English crew wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves, One Room Down share a passion for metal in one form or another. Throw in a bit of punk and you’ve got their recipe… Much like Therapy? a decade or so earlier, One room Down find some space in the unholy alliance of metal and punk to wreak their mayhem. Its really more metal than punk though, except for the punk vocal delivery. Not bad, but with a few tweaks here and there could really be excellent.

http://www.oneroomdown.com

Prestons's top rock band Ocean Bend 

Ocean Bend - All I need

A four piece from Preston in the UK, Ocean Bend are a straight up and down rock band, no frills. And that is exactly what they pride themselves on. All I need is a driving rock number, complete with gratuitous guitar solo. Perfect pub rock stuff for those Friday nights out.

www.myspace.com/oceanbend

The Naysayers - Gone as I can get

Gentle country rock from the North west of the USA is what The Naysayers peddle. Not to be confused with the San Francisco hard rock group of the same name, these guys are melodic song writers of the kind of John Cayle, Tom petty school of thought. It’s Americana, through and through, and extraordinarily well done at that. Gone as I can get is a gentle song of regret, co-written by guitarist/vocalists Dennis Winslow and Rod Langdahl. Watch out, it will grow on you!

Norine Braun - Be Brave Do It Right

You will think of Sade the moment this track kicks off, but there is so much more to Norine Braun than that. From Vancouver, Canada, this singer-songwriter goes from the jazzy, to the funky and even out to the rocky. But Be Brave Do It Right shows of her soul roots, within the framework of a jazzy ambience that snags the ear from the first note, and holds it until the last has faded. Despite this disparity of styles in one song, it works well for a smooth and creamy result!

www.myspace.com/norinebraunmusic

The amazing Aquavenus above 

Aquavenus - Dance with me

The brain child of singer/bassist Sonia Venus, this is a Latin infused project with rhythm, soul and warmth. Dance With Me is one of those songs that kinda gets you wanting to swing your tail even when you don’t really like the music… it just works. Which is not to say that its rubbish, far from it. An interesting mélange of styles and textures, it is a complex number. But the wining factor is Sonia’s voice, which will win you over.

" Eclectic dreamy latin tinged melodic meanderings from this hot and groovy new artist - Matchbox Radio 24". 

www.myspace.com/aquavenusmusic 

Velvet Landscape - Catch the moon

Velvet Landscape showcases the combined Talents of Paul Birtwell (previously featured on Matchbox compilations) and Annette Reis Dunne. The result is a kind of dreamy jazzy meander that is very relaxing but oddly refreshing at the same time. Annette clean clear voice soar and wanders of a musical bed of crisp guitar and shuffling, brushed drums. Its that up beat, happy sound that Mat Bianco overdid, but here with way more classic tones. Smooth, crisp, yummy!

The cool Arising above 

Arising – Cold

This track is a slow driving traditional hard rock number… plenty of mammoth guitars and driving bass and drums. The snarly vocals complete the picture, and if you’re a hard rocker, then this one is totally right for you. Might be a tad on the slow side otherwise, but its break out moments make up for that!

Wormwood - How I feel

Rick Partridge IS Wormwood. A native of the New Orleans swamps, he now lives somewhere further from so much water. How I feel is an intense and introspective song, as you might expect from the title. With a voice that at times harks back to Mud Honey, this is an eclectic amalgam of grunge sensibilities and acoustic delivery that results in a unique flavour. Song writing for Rick is a vehicle to vent his frustrations and views of the world, so don’t expect too much sunshine and light, but certainly some interesting listening.

The Reverse - Song for Pauline

Born out of idle jamming among mates Nathan and Jason in Crouch End, London during 2002, the Reverse gradually grew into the established four piece that they currently are. Song For Pauline is a more raucous number for them, but showcases the versatility of their sound. It’s not indie, and its not retro, its just who they are, and its definitely worth a good listen.
www.myspace.com/wearethereverse 

New Jersey's fantastic Wellsville above 

Wellsville - When She Wakes Up

From New jersey, NYC, USA, Wellsville are different from many bands in respect that their lead instrument is the piano. This and the fact that they weld that instrument to some metal riffs, driving rhythms and the kind of very high male vocal that you just don’t get to hear every day. The result on this track is a kind of dreamy disassociated sound that teases and twists the ear through the complex construction. There are enough nods to eh past here without them being in too much danger of just being retro. Interesting stuff.

www.myspace.com/wellsville

Imbiss - Shadows

Quietly dreamy and maybe a lit bit psychotic, the acoustic pop of Imbiss certainly is arresting. It’s the vision of Barnaby griffin, a 34-year-old Brit living in Spain and recording and writing all of his own material. Shadows is a dark and quiet song that pleads to be heard, and once engaged with, is hard to ignore. Great stuff for all, or because of its simplicity.