Those crazy cats over at the Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition have only gone and announced the longlist for the competition, which means I can reveal my actual choices that I made. They are all excellent.

Due to a “blogger mishap”, which I like to think means they got eaten by a Mac or perhaps stuck in some particularly skinny jeans, I was able to listen to a whole bunch of extra tunes and pick an additional band. So I’ve got four bands in the running for the shortlist, which will be narrowed down from 123 to just eight. Presumably my picks will make half of that list.

Anyway without further ado, here are my choices.

My First Tooth

My First Tooth – Orchards (Youtube)

Featured on this month’s edition of Bitter Fingers Radio, I was blown away with the sheer energy and joy running through this band’s music. It’s quite invigorating to listen to a band with clear musicianship that loves what they’re doing.

There’s a folky thing going on but at the heart it’s just very good indie pop music and that is something that you cannot have enough of.

Miracle Bell

Miracle Bell – Love Sounds (Youtube)

I wrote about Miracle Bell quite recently as part of this whole shebang and I STAND BY WHAT I SAID THEN. Very good indeed.

Films of Colour

Films of Colour – Actions (Youtube)

Here’s a band I have some previous with – I met them while working on Steve Lamacq’s show at BBC 6 Music, when he had them in as his New Favourite Band. They quickly became mine as well – shimmering, soaring guitars expertly put together and wonderfully atmospheric. High rating then and now as well.

Sunbirds

Sunbirds – River Run (Youtube)

My wildcard choice, in many ways – I wasn’t expecting to have to pick a fourth band but when I heard these guys I knew they’d have to have it. Strong, driving sounds with some wonderfully breathy vocals. It’s got a definite groove, if that’s an acceptable thing to say about music these days (it probably isn’t). Lovely to hear.

That’s the lot then! They’re all looking to compete at the live finals in April, where one of them will receive a slot on the main stage at Glastonbury. I’ve got my fingers crossed for all my entries.