Features The Neu Bulletin (6th May 2014)

The Neu Bulletin is a daily update of the most exciting new things DIY’s listening to. Some of the music you’ll like, some of it you won’t. We can’t please everyone, sorry.

Every day we offer up a choice show, a song of the day (branched under the understated heading “big Neu thing”) and a little something extra that’s caught our attention. Check back here every day for your latest Neu Bulletin delivery.

THE GIG
Alvvays - London, Ace Hotel (w/ Cheerleader)


Newly signed to Polyvinyl, Canadians Alvvays are previewing their appearance at Brighton’s Great Escape festival with a choice set at ‘trendy’ Shoreditch joint the Ace Hotel. They’re joined by Cheerleader, a group previously on the brink of big things, now making good on their promise.

THE BIG NEU THING
bed. - Boys


Portland trio bed. started out earlier this year with ‘Bother’, a track that resembled nestling up in a sea of pillows. But if we’re keeping to bed-based imagery, ‘Boys’ is more like trying to avoid the poking, broken springs in an old mattress. It’s a jagged affair that says more about the band’s studio knowhow than it does their sleeping habits. Vocals right at the top of the mix, this is the sound of a group getting bolder, more confident in their strides, all while keeping a firm grip on their founding qualities.

OTHER NEU BUSINESS
The Whips


The Whips’ first collection of demos spans back just over a year, but Jessi at Father/Daughter Records gave it a quick mention on Twitter and when she’s getting excited about new music, it doesn’t strictly matter when the thing first emerged. Scruffy, scatterbrained punk that claws at the conscience, it’s an impressive first run - ‘Dead Cool’ is grittiness defined, while ‘Get You Alone’ is pure, unhinged seediness. Also, where else are you going to find the line “all my friends are total fucking arseholes”?