Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts
Noisettes are the latest in a line of bands who've recently come from nowhere to conquer the charts and steal our hearts. Perhaps it's time to trace their origin and predict what their future might hold
Currently riding high in the sales stakes, Noisettes are a vibrant indie-rock three-piece from North London who signed with Universal in 2006 after rousing the bosses' interest with their limited edition Three Moods Of The Noisettes EP.
The trio's debut album What's The Time Mr. Wolf? barely dented the UK chart when it sprung in and out within a week, peaking at number 75. Mixing elements of bands as varied as The Gossip, Howling Bells, Be Your Own Pet, The Duke Spirit and The Kills, the band have an eclectic but distinctive sound that looks set to soundtrack much of 2009.
Present single Don't Upset The Rhythm is a disco-infused pop triumph that's sure to set the dancefloors alight this summer, but many of us will know it better as the soundtrack to a TV advert for the Mazda 2.
Likewise, the band's singles Wild Young Hearts and Scratch Your Name featured in Channel 4's racy teen drama Skins and US drama The Sopranos respectively. Don't be fooled though, Noisettes are not only worth experiencing when accompanied by pretty pictures and sales patter, the tunes stand perfectly well on their own.
Equal measures of punk rock, indie-pop and electro-dance might see the band in the same pigeonhole as much of this year's new music, but setting Noisettes apart is the soulful wail of edgy lead singer Shingai Shoniwa.
As drums pound and guitars entwine, her versatile growl pierces breaks down the boundaries of conventional pop and punk to allow streams of obscure influences to flurry in.
Not only do the band sound incredible on record though; their energetic stage performances have gained them a reputation as one of the best live bands in Britain today.
Quite simply one of the most exciting bands around this year, the message is that while the brainwashed many's eyes are fixed on Lady Gaga, the smarter few will keep at least one of their peepers on Noisettes.
The band's second album Wild Young Hearts is due for release on April 20.
FemaleFirst - Anthony Hill