In the magazine Winter 2011

Featuring The Maccabees, Los Campesinos, DIY’s Class of 2012 and the very best of 2011.

Remember the start of 2011 - when James Blake was just a few EPs and a twinkle in our collective eye? When nobody knew what a Jessie J was, and somebody, somewhere thought Viva Brother would sell records?

Well, it’s over now. As another year comes to its end the time comes to look back on the last twelve months of fantastic music. From the emergence of Ghostpoet through to the award-hoovering genius of PJ Harvey, there are more than a few contenders for DIY’s album of the year. It’s a testament to modern music that it’s almost impossible to pick a standout contender.

Looking forward to 2012, we’re pleased - nay delighted - to welcome back The Maccabees. Working with Tim Goldsworthy - a man possibly best known for his DFA connections - they’ve returned with an album that elevates them to a whole new level of awesome. Simone Scott Warren’s cover feature finds a band not short of ambition on the eve of their third album; arguably more of a challenge then even the fabled difficult second full length.

We’ve also picked out a few of your favourite bands of next year. From the bewitching pop of Niki & The Dove through to the tribal Fixers and the satisfyingly loud DZ Deathrays, we’d recommend checking out each and every one. If you want even more, there’ll be ex- panded profiles, tips and interviews on diymag.com at the start of January.