RHT’s Emerging Talent Competition Picks

So the Blogger’s longlist for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition is out. For the judging process a month was given to narrow 160 or so acts, for each of the judges, to a personal top three. Here’s my top 3 and why I picked them.

#1 – Honour Before Glory
Being one of the last acts I heard, Honor Before Glory, I just routinely opened the soundcloud page and clicked play, not really paying attention to the info on the page. What greeted me was something of a calm, serene beauty. Relaxing, but not overtly chilled, for there is still some under-pinned angst, “Maison” just hit the right notes when I heard it. Looking forward to hearing more. It’s also the solo project of former ¡Forward, Russia! guitarist Whiskas. I’m going to say it, it’s definitely better.

STREAM: “Maison”
[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/9083068"]

#2 – Holy State
This rock quartet were surprisingly familiar to me, previously releasing material on London’s brilliant independent label Holy Roar. Their heavy-laced rock is something quite contagious and that I could only really imagine myself truly appreciating at some beer-stained venue, or tent, banging my head along with the music whilst onlooking the mosh. Make it happen Glasto, I’ve heard you make dreams come true?

STREAM: “Brain Caves”
[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/3255474"]

#3 – House of Commoners
Formerly known as “Death Before Dishonor” the rap group House of Commoners had me captivated with this track “Strange Things” from the start. Seriously, I’m in love with that beat and their unsettling sampling of an old 50s/60s(?) singer only contribute to make a strong track that little bit better. The rapping is also fluid and seriously attention grabbing, adding a touch of grime to a song that has sound more akin to hip-hop across the pond.

STREAM + DOWNLOAD: “Strange Things”
[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/6428605"]