In The Know: Gus from The Magic Gang picks his fave up-and-comers

Hiya Dork, thank you so much for asking me to have a little rant in your wonderful magazine. I’ve got some new bands that I’d like to talk about; let’s start with Our Girl.

Three beautiful people that I’ve known a long time. I lived with Soph during the uni golden years and used to play in bands with her. I used to chill with Josh at uni, and I met Lauren when they formed. I’ve been lucky enough to have a listen to their album (which is out August 17th!), and you’re all in for a real treat. I love the way that Our Girl have that ability to melt your face off, but also have those softer, more delicate moments that really tug on the heartstrings.

One of my favourite bands to emerge out of the whole Brixton Windmill gang are Hotel Lux. Five lovely chaps making music that’ll turn your stomach. They play around with gruesome subject matter in their lyrics – Lewis Duffin is a great frontman and an equally good lyricist. The rest of the band are all great players too, the instrumentation keeps you guessing, but they’ve definitely honed in on that Hotel Lux sound. Can’t wait to see them at Truck Festival!

So, on our last UK tour, we invited an artist that goes by the name of Alan Power to open up for us… He totally blew me away. He writes beautiful songs, and his stage patter is second to none. He hasn’t officially released any music as of yet, but he does have a video of him playing a tune called ‘Cush’ on YouTube that you should check out. I’m a huge fan of Glen Campbell; I can really hear echoes of his work in some of Alan’s songwriting. Oh man, I can’t wait to hear what he’s been up to in the studio.

Matt Maltese, been obsessively listening to his stuff recently. What a songwriter, I love how his lyrics are incredibly sincere, but they’re not sickly or pretentious. There’s a subtle and playful humour – dry as can be – that’s present throughout his work. It’s spot on. His ear for melody isn’t half bad either. I get real undertones of Bacharach on his single ‘Like a Fish’. I’m so looking forward to hearing the album; I even pre-ordered the 12”, I’m a keen bean. Anyway Dork, thanks for hearing me out!

Matt Maltese, been obsessively listening to his stuff recently. What a songwriter, I love how his lyrics are incredibly sincere, but they’re not sickly or pretentious. There’s a subtle and playful humour – dry as can be – that’s present throughout his work. It’s spot on. His ear for melody isn’t half bad either. I get real undertones of Bacharach on his single ‘Like a Fish’. I’m so looking forward to hearing the album; I even pre-ordered the 12”, I’m a keen bean. Anyway Dork, thanks for hearing me out!