On tonight's show: The Pylons, The Velvet Hands and Hardwicke Circus

The Pylons @ThePylonsBand
The Pylons are a 4-piece indie band taking inspiration from the likes of Tame Impala, Jungle and Arcade Fire. Originally from Lincolnshire, the group now live in their house turned home studio in North West London. Not having to worry about limited studio time gives them the freedom to constantly listen, write and record together, allowing for an exploration of ideas and themes taken from a melting pot of influences.

The Velvet Hands @thevelvethands
The Velvet Hands (Toby Mitchell, Dan Able, Louis Mitchell and Sam Hilder) blend slacker story-telling and belting guitar riffs reminiscent of The Strokes or contemporaries such as The Vaccines, or Parquet Courts with rousing punk choruses that recall The Clash. Described by The NME as “full of bolshy spirit”, the band’s self-recorded debut album went on to be Huw Stephens Radio 1 Album of the Week. Of that album, Radio X DJ John Kennedy said, “Every single they’ve released is an instant hit as far as I’m concerned”. The singles also caused a stir with tastemaker blogs, described as “Jaw droppingly good” (Gigslutz) and “The second coming of rock and roll” (For The Love of Bands).

Hardwicke Circus @hardwickecircus
Hardwicke Circus are fast building a reputation as the most exciting band to emerge from the UK in recent years. Having gained a large internet following, and fans all over the UK through playing countless live shows, this band has what it takes to go all the way.
Watching them live only enforces this belief. Their sound brings comparisons with the brio of the E Street Band and the dark passion of classic Doors, but with plenty of British authenticity and perhaps even a hint of Dexy's in their high voltage attack.