Edinburgh, for the most part, has lived in the shadow of Glasgow when it came to producing bands and it`s been blamed on many things in the past. Right now though, we have something to shout about for a change, as I think our music scene is healthier than it`s ever been. What it`s down to, I have no idea, because we seem to have less music venues than we did twenty years ago. The local press have absolutely no time for music, even large touring bands struggle to find themselves being reviewed when they roll into town. Of course, many of them don`t even bother stopping here.



Maybe the advent of social networking sites has brought together more like minded people, who are sharing contacts and experience or maybe it`s just Edinburgh`s turn to have a large number of talented bands all coming of age at once.

All these artists are included on a compilation CD in aid of The Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital called “No Colour Too Strong to Paint”Â. The album is being released by Youngteam Records on May 7th.

You can find out all the details on the Facebook page

Delta Mainline

This seven strong band create an enormous psychedelic sound, but handle the space in the quieter moments with such delicacy. There is an almost gospel feel to the soaring choruses, while their use of horns adds to the drama perfectly.

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Frantic Chant

Their recorded output ranges from shoegaze style psychedelia to the short, sharp blasts of buzz saw rockers. The live version of this band owes more to the garage bands of the 60`s and 70`s and building a fantastic wall of noise.

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The Valkary`s

It`s been said their guitars wouldn`t sound out of place in a 60`s Hamburg club and I wouldn`t argue with that. When you add a voice that sits somewhere between Ian McCulloch and Scott Walker you know you are onto something special.

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White Heath

Not your typical line up of instruments but what a sound they create with their violin/piano/bass trombone/guitar combo. The vocals are of the fragile variety that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.

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My Electric Love Affair

Audio claustrophobia is the best way to describe MELA. The trance like repetition of fuzzed up guitar riffs seem to have you breathing in time to the music, only when the song ends do you realise how short of breath you are.

http://www.myspace.com/myelectricloveaffair



Matt Norris and the Moon

A folk band that seem to have listened to a broad spectrum of musical styles. The horns are reminiscent of those on Love`s Forever Changes. In Matt Norris, they have a voice that brings these styles together effortlessly.

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Imperial Racing Club

Big sounding productions on their recordings are equally matched by IRC`s live performances. They have the confident swagger of a band playing good time rock n roll and enjoying every minute of it.

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The Lunes

These boys produce a bluesy racket and possess some of the greatest song titles this side of Mogwai. Their singer may have the face of an angel, but his voice definitely comes from some sort of deal with the devil.

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Nicky Carder

Nicky is involved in allsorts within the Edinburgh music scene. She manages and promotes bands but she`s here in a singer/songwriter capacity. Her haunting voice and melodies pulled me into a style of music I often neglect.

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The Remnant Kings

This is a band that play energetic, intense, emotional rock n roll. Great melodies, scathing lyrics, big choruses, riffs, crashing drums, big vocals and funky bass lines. Always a welcome addition to live music bills in Edinburgh.

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Scrap Brain

They describe themselves as cyber grunge and it`s a perfect label for their sleazy, fuzzed up noise. They have a certain New York/New Wave cool about them and the tunes to back up the attitude.

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SOUNDCLOUD

Steve Heron

Since releasing his album “Honest One”Â last year, Steve appears to be everywhere just now. His angular guitar driven songs seem to lodge in your brain and I’m looking forward to hearing the new EP he is currently recording.

MYSPACE



The 10.04`s

Another band with a fanatical following, they`re hugely popular and it`s not surprising as their songs seem to be filled with lots of little hooks. Founders of Edinburgh`s Haddowfest, where this year they will be playing with Razorlight.

MYSPACE



The Jackals

This band have taken many forms over the years but have always had that sprinkling of 60`s dust Lee Mavers was so fond of. If this blog wasn`t about Edinburgh music, you could be forgiven for thinking they had their roots in Liverpool.

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The Thanes

I`ve been a fan of this band since their first album, “The Thanes of Cawdor”Â was released way back in 1987. Their organ driven garage sound has seen them pick up support slots with the likes of Primal Scream and Nuggets era bands The Remains and ? And the Mysterians.

MYSPACE



The OK Social Club

Jagged, punky guitars and a definite melodic nous have given them the tools to build a big fanbase. They pull off the Scottish accent vocals where some bands tend to over egg the pudding on that front.

MYSPACE



Epic26

These electro popsters bring a bit of fun to a, generally, po faced genre. The music is made for dancing to and if the rhythm doesn`t get you, the melodies certainly will.

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John Durnan

While John is better known these days for producing, he still finds time to create his own music, which has the taste of Bourbon soaked Americana all over it.

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David Winpenny

David is a young singer songwriter who is taking his first steps into the filthy music biz. I think he is definitely one to watch for the future, while his current material is already making people in the know take notice.

MYSPACE

The Steals

Led by a charismatic front man, The Steals have one of those relationships with their fans that most bands would kill for. Their working class anthems connect with their audience and that`s a special talent to have.

MYSPACE