Avenue61 is a leading indie music site that specialises in album and gig reviews, breaking new bands, publicising events, and exclusive interviews with the leading cutting edge acts in the alternative music scene. Avenue61 covers a wide range of artists – some you would have heard of, some you won’t. Artists the site has reviewed recently include the Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Noisettes and Ladyhawke. The site is updated regularly so come back to catch up the latest news and reviews from the bleeding edge of the alternative music scene.

Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

Currently residing in Glasgow, Boycotts are a quirky indie band fronted by vocally confident Stina Twee. They’ve been making a name for themselves over the past year by playing oodles of great gigs all over Scotland, and recording at the popular Glasgow studio Lo-Fi. They’ve played a live set on Vic Galloway’s radio 1 show, been voted runners up for Artist of the Month at King Tuts ‘Your Sound’ event, and recorded their debut EP just last month (Aug ‘09). They’ve nabbed prestigious supporting slots with Cage the Elephant, Frightened Rabbit, Cursive and Art Brut, and also held their own at The Mill - the event that showcases the best of up-and-coming talent across the country.

Their tunes consist of punchy guitar riffs, a solid but ever-changing backbeat and catchy lyrics sung with a soothing pitch. One of their newer numbers is No-A-Yo-Yo, which pushes Josef K’s leading guitar riffs as the opener followed closely by Stina and an addictive central lyric. Later in the song, David’s bass gives our ears a break from the normal structure by engaging with his own bouncy solo. This brings the tune back to its roots and lets the band show off how well they all can stay in synch together. They build the song and the momentum back up with ease. This is one of their songs which best showcases just what they’re capable of; becoming instantly likeable to a mass audience and lodging themselves securely in that part of your head where certain songs get stuck.

The main thing about this band is energy. They come with bucket loads of the stuff. On-stage they all display fresh enthusiasm for each song they play, which is always enjoyable to witness. Their other tunes such as Luella & Lies and Beat on the Dancefloor undeniably display this energy, and prove that Boycotts have a definite flair for nailing that addictive ingredient in music. Definitely ones to check out if you ever get the chance.