Band to look out for #1

Trophy Wife

After seeing them supporting Bombay Bicycle Club last night at Troxy, I find them a lot more interesting than I did when I first heard Microlite. I believe a new Oxford scene is on its way with bands alike to Foals coming back, which is a good thing. This band is the proof that there is some hope in new music again and to not give up hope after the swarm of pretentious indie bands managing to worm their way into important lists for 2011. Trophy Wife have a lot of potential and they deserve to be heard. They're also really energetic live and I would say their sound transfers better to live than it does on record.

Top 10 Albums of 2010!

1. Bombay Bicycle Club- Flaws































2. Crystal Castles- Crystal Castles (II)



































3. Salem- King Night

4. LCD Soundsystem- This Is Happening

5. Arcade Fire- The Suburbs






























6. Sleigh Bells- Treats



























7. Perfume Genius- Learning






























8. Best Coast- Crazy For You

































9. Darwin Deez- S/T




























10. Everything Everything- Man Alive

Bombay Bicycle Club, Troxy, Sunday 5th December

After saturday, high standards had been set for the electric show the following day. The venue is very different to the first, a lot more vibrant and spacious, there is no sense of intimacy which was given off at Queen Elizabeth Hall. The first support act, Flashguns are miserable and reminiscent of Keane, The Script or any other dreary band that have a guitarist, singer and drummer combo. They stumble their way through a weak set in which no one's attention is held on them. As far as they go, they are dreadfully average and belong in 2008. Their version of indie rock has already been left in the past and that is the way it should be. With low expectations being set, the next support act was a pleasant surprise. Trophy Wife, who are friends with Foals, introduce themselves and this time we are met with a drum machine, a keyboardist and a guitarist/singer. Their first song starts off slow and it seems that they might not have anything new to give to music but I was far wrong. As they proceed through the set, their songs get better and they are a mix between The XX, Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, Is Tropical and Egyptian Hip Hop. Their over energetic stage presence puts a smile on my face and they seem very humble and nice people. The crowd are starting to get excited awaiting Bombay Bicycle Club and as they arrive on stage, they are greeted with a massive cheer and round of applause. Having not played a full electric set in a long time, they take it in their stride and it seems that they enjoy the atmosphere a lot more than their acoustic shows. Jack Steadman admits, "we've been doing a lot of acoustic shows lately but I think I prefer this". The crowd turns rowdy and beer is spilled over the crowd at the front, splashing everyone. They give more of a preview into their next album with a few more new songs which are more folky than I Had The Blues but with the addition of Lucy, they have a more feminine touch to them now. Their main anthem, Always Like This, receives a massive reception as always and everyone is singing along loudly. We're left wanting more as the band leave the stage and everyone has a smile on their faces as they are talking about tonight's performance.

Bombay Bicycle Club, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Saturday 4th December

Bombay Bicycle Club never choose the typical venue to play at but they always get the atmosphere spot on. Queen Elizabeth Hall is almost reminiscent of a retro cinema and when the lights dim, I get the excitement of being in the theatre or seeing a new movie. The support band Mukkalo, take to the stage and their positive attitude rubs off on the audience. Their sound is composed of XX drum machine, Los Campesinos glockenspiel and Bombay Bicycle Club guitars. Jack Steadman and co are sat at the side of the stage, smiling and clapping along. They have the usual enthusiasm of a new band and they look overwhelmed to be playing a big venue and they manage to get a good reception. When Bombay Bicycle Club come on stage, the spotlight is on Jack Steadman (vocals and guitar) as they start their set. Playing Flaws in its entirety throughout the set, they really know how to please their fans/a crowd. They surprise with an acoustic cover of Evening/Morning which is genius and incredible. Their onstage energy is powerful, even though everyone is still in their seats, you can feel the concentration upon the band. Jack Steadman's Motel Blues is very moving and he angrily plays guitar while singing the potent lyrics. They round off with Swansea including a backing choir which perfectly rounds off the enchanting acoustic set. Despite the band's popularity, I manage to catch Jack Steadman at the merch stall afterwards and he is a very nice albeit timid man.

We were also given a preview of one of their new songs called Beggars, including Lucy who we suspect is going to become a permanent member of the band.