Ashborn - Echoes EP (released November 8th)

Ashborn's debut EP 'Echoes' showcases the band's ability to excel in all manner of guises. In 'Rasina' they have a song like no-other released this year - a pounding tribal anthem with a climax that rips through your soul. Other highlights include the dreamy, but not-at-all unfocused 'Summer's Song', and the infectious build-up in final track 'Broken Souls'. Ashborn are intent on throwing caution to the music industry, and with songs that firmly nod in the direction of The Smiths and early U2 (guitars haven't sounded so hauntingly good as they do in Motherland), there will be no lack of followers to their cause. They will be touring the country at the end of October, check www.ashborn.co.uk for more details.

Ian Allchin