Mercury Musings

From 2004 to 2008, the coveted Mercury Prize seemed to fancy itself a bit of indie rock, with the accolade going to Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Klaxons and Elbow (excluding the wonderfully ethereal vocal of Anthony & The Johnsons in 2005). Then, it would seem someone thought to branch out, and that’s exactly what happened. Since then hip-hop artist Speech Debelle, The xx and PJ Harvey have scooped up the award. And once again, a wide variety of names are being touted for this year’s prize.

Early favourites in late 2011 were Noel Gallagher and his “High Flying Birds” (whatever that means), Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto, which the masses took to somewhat enthusiastically. However, then came 2012, and some stunning debuts with it, which we preview here.

‘A Different Kind Of Fix’, Bombay Bicycle Club’s third record, tilted its hat in appreciation of its rave reviews, and yet, it was released a good while ago. In comparison to some of the artists being touted for the prize, I can see it almost being “forgotten” in the running, and as such, BBC will have to settle with their outstanding tour and fast-selling records. Poor them.

Emelie Sandé’s name should also be mentioned, as it seems to be everywhere else in relation to the Mercury Prize, and while she has received her plaudits, performances at the Olympic Ceremonies prompted comments of “she’s just filling”, so perhaps her first offering to the music world hasn’t been taken to as she might hope. It’s also worth bearing in mind she’s had to compete with the likes of Adele and Lana Del Rey for the female singer spotlight. Maybe next year.

Django Django’s ‘Django Django’ Djan-goes where many have succeded. Ba-dum. Their indie-pop, peppy feel has grown them a considerable following, but personally, I can’t see their debut winning this craved contest. While they have some cool bass lines and likeable percussion, they don’t yet have the finished feel that other hopefuls have already achieved. Placed alongside Florence and Hot Chip at 10/1

 you might think they were in with a chance, but unfortunately for them, Hot Chip’s ‘In Our Heads’ is a cut above their own offering, and Florence’s ‘Ceremonials’ was so popular that Django Django seem to be little more than outsiders in the running.

The Maccabees followed up Colour It In and Wall Of Arms with Given To The Wild, which sounds like exactly what it is; a band who has worked and worked on their sound, and has perfectly realised it in a single record. The opening intro flows into ‘Child’ superbly, and the songs between it and the closer ‘Grew Up At Midnight’ aren’t anything like the fillers you get on many an album, and while this is a fantastic realisation of potential from the South London band, I find it hard to look beyond a certain debut which is just, awesome.

Now, onto what is without doubt both the favourite and the best record of the lot, and the one I have been looking forward to writing about. Alt-J (∆)’s An Awesome Wave has delved into a new world, combining elements of Hip Hop, dreamy vocals, Foals-esque guitar, and carefully crafted percussion. Critics have raved about it, and they have created a catalytic hype for themselves that seems to keep growing and growing, which might mean they need to “breathe in…exhale” a little before their summer of festivals which precede a hotly anticipated tour (soon to be sold out) this autumn. Honestly, they are odds on favourites, and deservedly so. If you need further convincing, just listen to the interview with Mike Joyce, over on Beatwolf Radio. The band give an honest account of themselves, and talk optimistically both of the summer and the future. Place your bets, punters.