I have been wanting to post something by Hockey guys since I first heard their single Too Fake (via Pinglewood). Simply one of the best tracks I have heard in the past 12 months and they have more. They sound like the best bits of The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem stuck in a blender with a bit more soul to taste. The guys are going to be one of the bands to watch in 2009. I think that’s probably enough hype for them to live up to now. (BUY)

Hockey – 3am Spanish

Photo courtesy of Bang Bang Dot Dot

The dreamy blissful synth pop of this track by Damn Arms could not be further from the rain pouring down/into my window, but who could possibly want to miss something that puts you right back on the golden sands with the beautiful people.

Damn Arms – Destination Part I (via Palms Out Sounds)

Destination Part I is on a Double A-Side out soon on Bang Gang 12 Inches

Stars of Sunday League are my first ‘absolute must’ find of 2009. This sensational little band are as Scottish as they come and it’s utterly charming. Their beautiful folk ballads with indie-tinged edges are completely unique and should be given a listen by fans of all genres. They’re currently in the studio, so watch this space for more updates.

Laura Marling has been received with critical acclaim since the release of her first album ‘Alas, I Cannot Swim’ back in February 2008. The album was  nominated for the Nationwide Mercury Prize Award and Marling has played venues across the country, most notably Union Chapel in London. Though the eighteen-year-old songwriter claims larger venues still scare her, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more from the folk songstress this year.

Los Campesinos! are a two-year-old Welsh band, who make indie pop music with folk undertones. Their second album ‘We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed’ was released in October, and they’re currently touring in the USA to promote it. This album is limited edition and comes highly recommended from The Blue Walrus, so I’d grab my copy now if I were you!

Adelaide’s Cape recently recorded an album sampler, which will be available commercially later on in 2009. This three-piece indie folk sensation are set to hit venues throughout East Anglia for the first half of this year, and are quite clearly destined for greatness.

Jack Savoretti got a lot of BBC radio play last year when his debut album ‘Between The Minds’ was released but largely went underappreciated. He spent the first year and a half of his career playing free gigs in Cafe Nero to audiences throughout Europe, but since has moved on to the folk clubs and arts centres of every corner of the earth. He recently spent time in LA recording a new EP and will be touring again in 2009.