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Zebra & Snake
Best friends Tapio and Matti blend analogue electronics and haunting vocals to transform into their beastly alter egos, the zebra and the snake. If you don’t care to be too modest, a spin of the Finnish duo’s record could conjure up images of The Knife crossbred with Stevie Nicks and a dash of Bowie. As the band goes back to the basics of gothic feeling tunes drenched in kraut-y soundscapes, they’ve managed to capture and record some timeless pop music.
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Izabo
Izabo, Israel’s best export since The Bible, are a spoonful of tasty alternative pop. Best described as a “brilliant, action packed combination of psychedelic rock, disco, punk and Arabic spices,” they have picked up the attention of press worldwide with the likes of Uncut calling them “promising and infectious”. Izabo are definitely ones to keep an eye on throughout 2012. The album is due later in the year along with UK shows.
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Monarchy
Monarchy have a knack for transforming the every day into something otherworldly. Keeping their identities secret in order to direct attention to their product rather than their personal lives, Monarchy only appears publicly under the cover of masks. But anonymity does not make for a low profile; in 2010 the group’s debut concert was the first ever live show to be broadcasted into space. But high concepts and mystery aside, these guys continue to produce some very slick pop jams.
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OMD
In these electro-friendly times OMD’s influence has become ubiquitous. The XX, Brandon Flowers, LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy and MGMT have all citied OMD as inspiration. 2010 saw the return of their iconic original line up with the release of the album ‘History of Modern’. The record received both critical acclaim and music chart success worldwide. Since their reunion, the band has spent their time performing on a sold out global tour.
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Matisyahu
Grammy award nominated Matisyahu creates music with meaning. A member of the Hasidic Jewish community, he uses his infectious melodies to convey messages of hope, peace, and understanding. He has captivated the attention of music fans worldwide, but Matisyahu explains his success in humble terms saying, “Consciousness and positivity spread like a wave. It starts with one person doing one good thing and links like a chain, going from one positive thing to the next.”
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Killa Kela
Killa Kela is regarded as one of the best beatboxers in the world and is recognised as a leading figure in the scene. Using his unique talents as a driving force, Kela lives, breathes, and speaks creativity. So far, he has released 3 full length albums that explore genres reaching far beyond beatbox. His craft has led him around the globe to perform alongside the likes of Prince, Pharrell & N*E*R*D, Justin Timberlake, Super Fury Animals, De La Soul and Plan B.