Neu Dartz!

You might hear ‘Middlesbrough’ being stamped on this lot but these boys can be a lot more specific. So, for all you small Teeside(ish) town enthusiasts out there, Guitarist Henry lives in Guisborough, Singing Bassist William lives in Skelton and Drummer Phil lives in Marske. Falling together after the split of previous bands in 2004, Dartz! played their first gig in March 2005.

What do they sound like?
Disco Ball Post Rock fun stuff. It’s the spiky bits of The Futureheads prodding a Shins/XTC mash.

Why are they so great?
Flummin’ ace lyrics – the chants of ‘Dartz is good for your brain!’ (‘Teaching Me To Dance’) and philoso-pop of ‘If you don’t understand the park/you’ve first got to be park’ (‘Network!Network!Network!’) - coupled with more driving rhythm than a Hip Hop Jeremy Clarkson. They also have a live balaclava’d saxophonist - which is pretty spesh.

What should I be checking out?
The band’s limited edition released efforts are getting difficult to hunt down but the split 10’ with Gravity Dip heroes Stapleton and split Xtra Mile 7’ with The Maybes are undoubtedly worth a listen. The ‘Who Built The Buildings?’ EP can be snaffled from iTunes with gems ‘Once Twice Again’ and ‘Teaching Me To Dance’ and, if you’re quick, they’re touring the UK with DIY pop heroes The Research now.