This can’t be right… a band that sounds this fantastic when the combined age of their members doesn’t come close to that of Mick Jagger. The Substitutes are four lads from Lincolnshire – Zaine Lamont on vocals (14yrs old), Matt Welsh on guitar (13), Aidan Betts on bass (12) and Connor Whiteley (12) on drums.

http://www.myspace.com/wereonlyyoung

Now if you’ve not yet listened to their MySpace player and you’ve just read the opening paragraph above you’re probably thinking “Come on Chris, I know you like to be positive about bands but surely you’re going too far.” Just have a listen – they really are incredible.

They write their own songs and perform covers too. They also gig and whenever their local station Lincs FM needs live bands for roadshows they’re the first on the list. Lincs FM is the biggest commercial station in the area too so that speaks volumes.

Their first song on their MySpace player is “Media Attraction” and starts off a little like a Joy Division song but it soon becomes apparant that this is very Arctic Monkeys meets The Jam. I actually prefer Zaine’s voice to Alex Turner’s  from the Monkey’s as I feel there is more listenability and for 14 years of age I can only imagine how good he is going to sound in a few years.

There are no pretentions here either. Every member works their part perfectly and with such professionalism that it’s only going to be a matter of time before they’re snapped up by a major indie label – trust me, I can just tell.

There is a great cover of the Undertones classic “Teenage Kicks” on their player as well.

They are well worth checking out. I think we’ll be hearing more from them in the not too distant future.

http://www.myspace.com/wereonlyyoung

http://www.facebook.com/thesubstitutes

Stanley In Heaven are a five piece indie rock band from Halifax and they sound like a mature Arctic Monkeys with a sound that is very radio friendly.

http://www.myspace.com/stanleyinheavenmusic

I personally feel that they edge toward very eary Police when Sting knew how to entertain and write great pop songs, and there is nothing wrong with that believe me. I wouldn’t mind a few zeros from his bank balance

Stanley In Heaven are favourites of Vini Reilly from the Durutti Column and also the real Mr. Manchester Bruce Mitchell and if they like them then enough said as far as I’m concerned. I’m listening knowing I’m going to like the music – and I do.

So what about the songs? Well I’m listening to their MySpace player with “Tonight in Las Vegas” on and I love the way the verses have that punctuated guitar and bass playing which then breaks to the lull of the bridge and then the chorus kicks in bringing the whole thing together with a superb melody and hook.

Next up is “Days and Weeks” and it shows consistency in their sound. From the start to the first chorus they build up and up and eventually we reach yet another wonderful melody and hook with some lovely harmonies to the lead.

I love the colour to Joey’s voice and performance. The whole band are pulling in the same direction and seem to know exactly where they’re going. I don’t mean that they’ve rehearsed and know the songs – I’m talking about something deeper, less tangible, but ultimately the most important aspect of any band. They’ve got it.

There are times that I think I’m listening to early Inspiral Carpets too which is a real boon… pardon the pun. There is a retro indie sound here yet a very modern one.

Have a listen to their songs yourself on their MySpace. I think you’ll enjoy them.

http://www.myspace.com/stanleyinheavenmusic