There are a *lot* of bands and artists in London, so many that it's easy to never discover the really great ones. Bandwatch is a new feature on Londonist where we talk to a new band or artist we think are really exciting. Of course it's our personal opinion and you might think our choices suck, but Bandwatch relies as much on you filling us in on the amazing band you discovered last week, as us pimping out our favourites.
To start us off, meet Bethnal Green's The Toy Guns. They've been recently signed to the Regal branch of Parlophone and released their first single two weeks ago. Suggs and Jerry Damners are already fans of their ska-indie styles and we're pretty sure their incredibly danceable fast & furious antics will mean you like them too. If you do then catch them live this Thursday at The Fly.
Who's in the band?
Dan- vox/guitar, Johnny- guitar, Ross - bass, Franz- drums
What are you upto at the moment?
We're gettin everyone to buy our double a-side single 'Nice One Jerry/Shoot The Boy' from all good indie record shops and hmv! On Saturday we're off to play the teenage cancer trust gig in Newcastle.
What do you sound like?
Like The Kinks being repeatedly kicked by various members of The Clash and The Specials.
Why should we listen to you than every other new band out there?
Coz we rinse it hard, and mix up our influences with new ideas n regional spices.
What's your favourite London venue?
Wos the Spread Eagle in Shoreditch before it was bought by some sick chain now its probs the Old Blue Last or the Hope & Anchor.
Can you think of an unusual London location that should open itself up for gigs?
The Dungeons!
What's your favourite record shop in London?
The New Rough Trade in East London.
What's your favourite club night in London?
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang promo nights.
What's your favourite song so far this year?
The Fatels - Sonny & Cher
What other new London bands / artists should we be checking out?
The Fatels and Molloy
Where can we see you playing next?
We're playing at The Fly on 27 Sept, DJing at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang on Oct 5 and are live at Metro on Oct 10.
What's your London secret?
Get to columbia flower market at 1pm on sunday and everything is half price. And the Stingray Cafe around the corner are still rinsing the party from saturday!
