Two new(ish) bands that promise a big year of festivals, intimate acoustic gigs and catchy new releases

Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit comprise of Mr. Flynn, not just an annoyingly gifted musician but also a trained Shakespearean actor, his sister Lille on vocals, Matt the drummer, Adam on bass, and Joe a cellist.

Their live show is a self-confessed “happy-ramshackle”, and you can catch them dotted around the city in the upcoming months.

With influences ranging from Dylan to The Pixies, and signed to the renowned indie label Young and Lost Club, the band is set for considerable success.

Frequently dubbed as “alt-folk”, Flynn’s melodic guitar work coupled with understated vocals makes for the perfect acoustic sound. The songs themselves fit into the bracket of alternative indie without big money production, and lyrics that err on the side of melancholic. The acclaimed single released late last year- The Box- for instance, explores the life of a homeless person, and his box (obviously), but with the fast paced guitar melody to accompany it, the song manages to mix emotions.

Noah & The Whale, in a similar vein (and name) to Flynn et al, and also signed up with Young and Lost, look like taking off this year with a mini record label tour starting in early February taking them across the nation to various Uni student haunts.

The sparseness of production on these lively, feel good tunes reminds us what good pop music should be all about. With assured crowd-pleasers like 5 Times up their sleeves, the band is sure to be a big hit at the summer festivals and continue to deliver more with a full-length record.

Influenced by the likes of the Smiths, Charlie (vocals, guitar), Doug (drums), Tom (fiddle), and Matt (bass) say their favorite tune to cover would be Girlfriend in a Coma. Their new single, 2 Bodies 1 Heart is instantly likeable and after a couple of times hearing it, you will be singing it all day, trust me.