Girls Aloud, Tangled Up
They've won the hearts of the Arctic Monkeys and Patrick Wolf and even collaborated with Franz Ferdinand. So how is it that a band created on the 2002 British reality TV show "Popstars: The Rivals" is making it "cool" to like pop music? One listen to Girls Aloud's fifth album, Tangled Up, and all your questions will be answered. Thanks to production team Xenomania (Kylie Minogue, Saint Etienne), the girls have nurtured a sound that appeals just as much to little girls as it does the fickle critics. On their latest effort, the girls cover everything from hookups ("Fling") to relationships gone awry ("Black Jacks") with an insatiable, uniquely British sound. One listen to the electro-glam-rock of "Sexy! No No No…" and you'll be screaming (and dancing) "yes, yes, yes!"
Alphabeat, Alphabeat
"We live on fascination," Alphabeat sing on their debut single, "Fascination." What truly is fascinating is Alphabeat's rapid success in their native Denmark. On paper, the band simply doesn't work. Six band members who look like American Apparel models playing music that sounds like grown-up versions of songs from High School Musical. However, it's their musical authenticity (no Zacs or Vanessas here) that has earned them critical praise and a mature fanbase. Their self-titled debut has already launched three hit singles with the remaining seven album tracks all having single potential. Currently attempting to crack the European market, these Danish hipsters seem poised to bring their energetic sound worldwide.
Róisín Murphy, Overpowered
After her music was included on such shows as "Grey's Anatomy" and "So You Think You Can Dance?" in 2005, former Moloko vocalist and Irish native Róisín Murphy found mild success in the States with her debut album, Ruby Blue. But it wasn't enough to secure the American release of her follow-up, Overpowered. The album is just as adventurous and refreshing as her debut. The lead single, "Let Me Know," a collaboration with dance-extraordinaires Groove Armada, is a glittering slice of indie-electropop. While Murphy's nonchalant, airy vocals can become tedious, songs such as the title track and "You Know Me Better" are irresistible. Until Murphy can raise her profile above "the girl who sings that song during an episode of 'Grey's.'" she seems delegated to import status.
Orson, Culture Vultures
Although the members of Orson are from California, the U.S. has yet to see a release of either of their albums. After being signed to Mercury Records and finding success abroad with their debut single "No Tomorrow," the band packed up and headed to London town. Their recently released sophomore album, Culture Vultures, picks up right where their debut, 2005's Bright Idea, left off. The album boasts tons of catchy guitar licks while lead singer Kevin Roentgen croons with a smooth, versatile voice that gives a pop edge to the rock-inspired tracks. Culture Vultures solidifies Orson as one of the most feel-good bands around, yet they still haven't had the opportunity to share the vibes with their motherland.
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