TOUR DE FORCE 2

Welcome to the album page for our fantastic " Tour De Force 2" compilation album. This incredible album features a wide selection of the hottest new up and coming Independent bands and artists from all over the world. From rock masterpieces, melodic Indie anthems and incredible touching jazz ballads to female power pop, electronic bliss, experimental soundscapes and acoustic troubadours. There is something for every new music lover on this album and it's available physically for those of you who like a proper real CD in your hands and also digitally for this Ipod lovers.

BIOG'S, REVIEWS, PHOTOS AND LINKS BELOW 

We drafted in a well known journalist called Dave Chislett to let us know what he thought of all the featured bands. The first bit you read is the artist biography and the second "DAVE SAYS" bit is Dave's professional unbiased opinion. Dave is 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 TDF 2 artists and the full results can be seen below. 

BIOG'S, REVIEWS, PHOTOS AND LINKS BELOW 

The incrediblly talented electronic based genius of Planet Magnetic above

1) Planet Magnetic – Can’t Leave It Alone

Neo post-punk quartet Planet Magnetic formed during 2008 in North London. The band comprises guitarist/songwriter Paull Withey,  Synth/Theremin/piano player Duri Darms, Bassist Adam Jarvis & drummer Euan Patterson. Producer Dave Allan ( The Cure, White Lies, Pete & The Pirates) was so impressed by their live performances he produced 5 tracks, and called on Mark Ralf from The Filthy Dukes to mix the tracks.
David Says
These guys catch the spirit of the times with this number. Accomplished and polished, they have sound that we will be hearing more of in the future, I am sure!
www.myspace.com/planetmagnetic 

The hottest new hope for proper British pop music the enigmatic and poptastic Steve Heathcock.

2) Steve Heathcock – The Cynic

Steve is singer/songwriter from England whose solo album The Cynic is out now on iTunes and Amazon and Confidential records. With airplay on smooth radio and BBC Radio WM and Beacon radio things are looking food for him. His music has been compared to Paul Weller, Joe Jackson, Squeeze and Elvis Costello.
David Says
There are great melodies and hooks in this poppy tune that reminds one of the best of the best of the past. Steve has a pleasant voice and great writing skills. This sound is going to do well in the adult contemporary market for sure.
www.myspace/steveheathcock

3) M.A.D.I.S.O.N – Only One for Me

Shropshire's hottest new rock band and proper songwriters M.A.D.I.S.O.N

Madison is a Modern 4 piece Rock band based in Shropshire. They have been together now for 2 years and cite early Queen, Thin Lizzy and the Darkness as influences. Stephen Hudyba- BBC Reviewer wrote- Madison have catchy material and a tight, well-rehearsed onstage performance, they standout as something special.
David Says:
Definitely part of the whole glam rock hair metal revival that The Darkness made so popular, this is full of riffy guitars and falsetto male vocals. Catchy and nostalgic.
www.myspace.com/rockwithmadison

4) Uproar 64 – Friday Night

These guys are an East London punk/new wave duo with a passion for melody.
Uproar 64 combine the raw sound of their favourite punk bands with sing-a-long choruses and harmonies that will hopefully get the whole world singing and pogo-ing once again.
David Says:
Some typically chunky punky guitar riffs with a great snarled vocal are counterpointed by a very melodically driven chorus. It’s an interesting juxtaposition that works, although with a bit more power in a live delivery I am sure is even better!
www.myspace.com/uproar64 

The eclectic and experimental genius of Claire Obscure and the Nocturnes above.

5) Claire Obscure And The Nocturnes

This electronica duo consists of Ford from Birmingham and Sylvie from Pau, France. They started the band after meeting and falling in love in Paris in 2007. This Anglo-French band have recently made three videos for their songs and have been featured on David Lynch's Eden’s Hour in the US, and Blu FM in Australia and featured in the NME.
David Says:
Dark and obscure are good words for this… hypnotic and mesmerising spring to mind as well. Certainly not your average MOR fodder, Clair and The Obscure treads a dark path through trip hop and electronica that is unique.
www.myspace.com/claireobscureandthenocturnes. 

The exceptional Switchboard Spectacular above

6) Switchboard Spectacular – Twists and Turns

A fourpiece from Blackpool, Switchboard spectacular have been around since early 2007. After local Battle of the Bands success they released the ‘Dan’s Face’ E.P and began gigging on the Manchester scene. One Manchester journalist has already remarked; ‘Without wanting to make any dramatic predictions, I can imagine these guys being very appealing to a lot of people.’
David says:
Upbeat indie pop with a serious party twist, these guys have a lot to offer. If their live show is anywhere near as infectious as this track, they are bound to be going far.
www.myspace.com/switchboardspectacular

The cool, stylish and theatrical Italian rock gods Amniotica above

7) Amniotica – Fly

This five piece, consisting of Stefano Braggion on Voice, Marco Cristofori on piano and keyboards, Luca Dalla Via on guitar, Matteo Benfatto on bass and Alberto Meggiorin on drums was formed in 2003 in Milan, Italy. They play a dramatic style of rock rooted in 60-70’s with some darker 80's inspirations. Since 2008 they have been working with producer Maurizio Ferrante, and in May of that year recorded in their first single “The Romance.”
David Says:
Amniotica play a rock style that harks back to the best days of dramatic, stylish rock. Soaring vocals and theatrical song writing give a grand, epic scale to their work.
www.myspace.com/amnioticaofficialspace

Mysterious new alternative artist Simon "Callstore" above

8) The Callstore – Gone When I am Done

On this one, all instruments and voices were written and played by Simon, who is the sole member of The Callstore. This is a solo project in its early stages in an acoustic form.
David Says:
Simon has a great, melancholy voice and the arrangements and song writing are excellent. This kind of Nick Cave-esque style is frankly not done enough and this is a great example of the oeuvre.
www.myspace.com/thecallstore 

The Sultry and gorgeous Lucie is 2 minutes past HOT above.

9) Lucie – 2 Minutes Past Hot

Lucie hails was born in Tottenham on the North side of London to Ghanaian parents. This 18-year-old artist has big plans for international pop stardom and along with song-writing partner and collaborator David benjamin has been working towards this goal since she was 12 years old.
David Says:
This girl certainly has the drive, and with pop tunes like this, there is a good chance you’re going to be hearing this name a lot more in the future. It’s well produced, poppy and catchy… just what the radio ordered.
www.myspace.com/lucieofficial 

The Ejector Seats safe in the air after Take Off with bullet proof Bex on lead vocals.

10)The Ejector Seats: No-one better Than Me

The Ejector Seats are Rebecca Reynolds, Mr.O and Trevor John,  an electro pop new wave outfit from London, Oxford and Basingstoke in the U.K. The combine the cool sounds of early 80's electro pop and new romantic with modern dance, pop and rock.
David Says:
Saccharine electro pop with an edge, the Ejector Seats manage to walk the lie between cheese and sleaze to bring you a catchy, poppy sound that remains original.
www.myspace.com/ejectorseats

The cool Young Drayno above

11) Kinfo AK – Work man’s Anthem

KinfoA.K consists of 2 members Drayno and Openface. Born and bred on the Eastside of Atlanta. The group was formed from close blood cousins with a passion for music also in memory of a loved lost one. Antonio Kelly 1981-2001 in which the A.K represents in the group named KinfoA.K.
David Says:
A great electro driven hip hop track with a great rap and slick production in the back. These guys bring something fresh to eh style while maintaining the old school values.  This is the kind of new hip hop that we’re going to see more of soon.
www.myspace.com/workmansanthem1

Paraguay's hottest and most melodic pop export the amazing E.H Connected.

12) EH Connected – Just Like The Rainbow

EH Connected is a vocal group from Paraguay that performs the compositions of producer Enrique Hellmers and consists of Andrea Valobra, Dany Blaires, Rut Perez and Danilo Zarate (quartet singers) and Sergio Cuquejo (keyboards and arrangements), Luis Chaparro (drums) and José Velazquez (guitars). Theirs is a music of the love of and praise for God.
David Says:
This stirring work is almost choral in its nature, with a very upbeat and positive religious message behind it. Stylistically very old school with multi vocal harmonies and instrumentation, but simple and direct none the less.
www.myspace.com/ehconnected  

The incredible and melodic new acoustic pop artist Julia Dowler above.

13) Julia Dowler – Pales Into Insignificance

Julia is an acoustic singer song writer from the UK with a simple lyrical approach to her music. It’s emotive, simple and direct yet powerful.
David Says:
Drifting Tori Amos moments despite the fact that this is guitar based, with even a bit of Suzanne Vega and Michelle Shocked thrown in. Interesting and simple. A good combination.
www.myspace.com/juliadowler

Funky new rock stars Gloucester Road above

14) Gloucester road: Jasmin

Formed in September 2008, Gloucester Road is 4 piece band consisting of Vocals / Guitar by James Hunter, Bassist Mike Prince, Guitarist Bec Jevons and Drummer Nick Watmore. They have already written an entire album in a cross section of styles, which there are now busy recording.
David Says:
Jasmin is a funky, catchy tune that rollicks along to its conclusion dragging you along with it. Great vocal tone combines with a strong rhythm section to create a noticeable tune.
www.myspace.com/gloucesterroaduk  

Madrid based singer/songwriter Dave Boyes preparing for his debut UK album release "Outside" through Matchbox Recordings in 2009.

15) Dave Boyes – Outside

Dave Boyes is a British born/Madrid based singer/songwriter, who writes & records his own compositions at his own home studio. His debut E.P. “Outside” was voted nº4 in “Top Demos” by the Spanish music magazine Mondosonoro. Dave’s list of inspirations and influences is a pretty long and diverse one as well!
David Says
Mr. Boyes has a good voice and Outside is a melancholic and haunting acoustic pop song that features a lulling melody that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go. Impressive.
www.myspace.com/daveboyes

16) Stowaway Blue – The Days Are Easy

This is a Rock/Blues three-piece based in the east-end of Glasgow that has been together since the start of '07. Since November ‘08, they’ve been working on new songs and a new four track demo and will soon be back on the road.
David Says:
Traditional Blues rock sound here, with a great blues voice. Stowaway Blue look set to do well in the market for great music that isn’t overly swayed by the hottest and latest fashions. Sold bluesy stuff
www.myspace.com/stowawayblue  

Finland's hottest alternative rock act Birdfishmen above

17) Birdfishmen –Hiding and Lying

This four piece hails from Helsinki, Finland and plays alternative rock. Formed in the year 2000, they occasionally also use a live sax and keyboard player at gigs.
To date, they have released three promo-CD´s and one EP-CD. And are looking to start touring outside of Finland and into the rest of Europe.
David Says:
The Birdfishmen are not on the heaviest side of the alternative rock genre, using good melody and rhythm to drive their music as opposed to the kind of raw power that description might lead you to expect.
http://www.myspace.com/birdfishmen

18) III Cortez – Sorry state

This is a 3-piece rock band from Manchester made up of Jack Buckett  - Lead vocals, Guitar and song-writing. Alex Lawrywhite - Backing Vocals and Bass. Tom Powter – Drums. They have been playing together as a band for about a year and a half but have really kicked it off and been writing songs aplenty as well as gigging all over.
David Says:
Their influence list from Neil Young to Pearl Jam and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club gives you the hint: This is old school but with a fresh take. Interesting musical glances over the shoulder are combined with a musical modernity. With more time these guys are going to develop into something red hot.
www.myspace.com/thirdcortez

19) My Pandoras Box – Wicked

The band hails from Germany manages entirely their own production and music creation resulting in a dark alternative rock sound. They are currently working on the release of their debut Album "Rude Wide Awake" and will be touring during 2009.
David Says:
Echoes of the kind of grim darkness that Alice In Chains used to exhibit permeate this track. This is heavy, underground stuff delivered with intensity and skill. Not for he4 faint hearted, but certainly delivers on its promise.
 www.myspace.com/mypandorasboxband