DOLLS - Killing Time

Though the path of the two-piece rock band is fairly well-trodden by now, London duo DOLLS are attempting to inject some fresh impetus into the format with debut single Killing Time. After the cripplingly dull rock of Royal Blood managed to mystifyingly sweep the entire country this year, it's certainly refreshing to hear a group attack a song with genuine vigour and aggression.

Frontwoman Jade Ellins' vocals certainly help - here they brood and menace early on before giving way to primal howling alongside crashing drums and screaming guitars. It's exciting, visceral stuff that manages to steer well clear of two-piece blues rock cliches. An assured debut effort from a group who may well be ones to watch out for next year.

Daisy Victoria - Nobody Dies

Daisy Victoria - an artist featured on this very blog earlier this year - recently returned with new single and EP Nobody Dies. Whilst earlier single Heart Full Of Beef spat and stammered like an angry offshoot of Anna Calvi, Nobody Dies is an altogether more lucid affair.

Shimmering guitars, dreamy psychedelics and cryptic lyrics combine to form a piece of work that is more Bush than Calvi; daring and experimental in its ambition but with its roots firmly planted in melodic pop music.

Victoria has a wonderfully versatile voice that is equally at home with forceful guitars as it is with the more electronic sounds on show here. This is an exciting step forward from an artist who is unarguably set for bigger and better things.

Gengahr - Powder

Seems like formerly-blissed-out Londoners Gengahr have added some serious punch to their sound in the time that I've been away. Their debut 'Demo EP', released in the early stages of 2014, was a delightfully woozy affair with menacingly dark, psychedelic undertones. With lazy, swaggering vocals and understated guitar hooks adding to the lo-fi sound, it was a devilishly addictive listen.

Now, they have returned with their first single 'proper': 'Powder'. Though it kicks off in similar fashion to their recorded output - those trademark scruffy vocals coupled with a low-key production - it soon transforms into a different beast altogether. Grungy 90s guitar hooks eventually overcome and dominate the song as it reaches it's thrilling conclusion, the ante slowly ramped up and up as those vocals remain: the melodic calm amidst the ever-growing storm.

'Powder' is a slow-burning rocker boasting a delicious melody and some truly virtuoso lead guitar work. An exciting new tune from one of my new favourite bands - soon they'll be your favourites, too.