Citadels are the latest alternative pop/rock band making a lot of good noise and although unsigned, it’s surely only a matter of time before the London lads are in every one’s music collection. The Klaxons will have a strong rival as long as Citadels are around and the band have already played at the same venues as Kings of Leon, Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party among others.

The band have a really thrilling and complex tone that is still easy on the ear and extremely vibrant. The band members are strong fans of MGMT but they might find themselves battling for fans as the Citadels become bigger and bigger. Trancy keyboard melodies, dark guitar chords and quirky beats go hand in hand on a Citadel track and this recipe is certainly sweet.

 There is one track that does stand out from the crowd. “Animals” gives just about everything the band can offer with sublime fuzzy vocals, rifftastic guitars and a huge beat. “Don’t Look Down” is probably going to be a summer anthem with catchy chants, hyper keyboard licks and a scratchy guitar tone but the band give a good level of quality on all their songs so just listen to anything by them and your ears should be grateful.

 The band are heading in the right direction and would not be out of place on a stage at Glastonbury. The pace that they are gathering fans and followers is scary, so watch out for them this summer, they could be at a festival near you.

XFM have announced details of a string of Winter Wonderland UK Tour dates, with all sorts of megastars lined up to play some sensational gigs.

As with previous years, all dates are in aid of Shelter, the homeless charity.

Tickets go on sale next Friday (9th November) at 9am, but many of the headlining bands and XFM members can get them as soon as next Wednesday or Thursday by pre-registering or such like.

Sunday 9th December – London Brixton Academy -
Bloc Party, Supergrass, Kate Nash, One Night Only, School of Rock Winner
Monday 10th December – Glasgow Academy -
Stereophonics, The Twang, Special Guests, Figure 5, School of Rock Winner
Tuesday 11th December – Manchester Apollo -
The Charlatans, Special Guests, The Courteeners, The Ting Tings, School of Rock Winner
Wednesday 12th December – Cardiff University -
Super Furry Animals, The Enemy, Kids In Glass Houses, Special guests, Duffy (accoustic set)

Photo is taken from Shane Bee’s flickr stream under the creative commons license

Wales’ understated sons Super Furry Animals have announced a new tour in October around the UK in support of their forthcoming “Hey, Venus!” album.

Catch them at:

Friday 19th October – Liverpool Carling Academy
Monday 22nd October – Nottingham Rock City
Tuesday 23rd October – Newcastle Carling Academy
Thursday 25th October – Southampton Guildhall
Sunday 28th October – Birmingham Carling Academy
Monday 29th October – Bristol Carling Academy
Wednesday 31st October – Norwich U.E.A
Friday 2nd November – London Roundhouse

Tickets are on sale tomorrow at 9am.

Photo taken from elchicodelaleche’s flickr stream.