Wu Lyf - Live at The Ritz, Manchester (4th February 2012)

Maybe, just maybe, the pressure of a homecoming gig was getting to Wu Lyf. A voicy Mancunian crowd failed to have their enthusiasm dampened by the quite bizarre New Romantic singer on warm-up duty. Immediately after his departure, choruses from the main act’s best-loved songs could be heard ringing around the infamous Ritz. Then the protagonists walked onto stage; then launched straight into “L Y F”. Smooth as.

Keep Shelly In Athens - Our Own Dream (2011)

7/10

Greek outfit Keep Shelly In Athens have managed to stand out amidst all the emerging outfits trying to combine the band concept with current trends in electronic music. It’s hard to pin down a single factor which makes them so appealing, but an endearing eclecticism to their songs is certainly part of it.

Wild Beasts - Smother (2011)

A deeper, less flamboyant work still showcases the creativity you've come to love from the Wild Beasts

Hailing from Cumbria, Wild Beasts have built a reputation as one of the most exciting bands to come through in the last few years. Their first two studio albums were oozing in quirkiness and personality, with two lead singers whose voices contrasted beautifully and poetic, sexually charged lyrics.

The Chameleons - Strange Times (1986)

You may not have heard of The Chameleons, but you’ll know their sound. Are you a fan of Interpol? Editors? Or, errr, The Killers? These bands, among many others, have been influenced by the post-punk quartet from Manchester.  If atmospheric songs with echoing guitars and dark, humour-tinged lyrics are your thing, look no further than Strange Times.

The album begins with the anthemic “Mad Jack”, an upbeat ode to that one friend you have who can’t keep out of trouble. With an addictive guitar riff and some beauties from lead singer Mark Burgess (“He holds the night/Walks in shadow and avoids the light/Masturbates the madness in you!”), there can’t be many opening tracks that are better at drawing you into an album.