I thought I’d done a post about this Road To V Band that are destined for big things, but a quick search through the archives shows that I was very wrong!

The Outside Royalty are finalists in the competition, and are set to play the Islington Academy on Thursday night.

They are one of those bands that are unlikely to win the competition because they’re a bit too “out there” for most peoples liking, however deserve to go onto big things. Sounding like a more together Arcade Fire they combine epic songs with great storytelling about normal day-to day things. Hailing from Pittsburgh and relocating to London, the band are clearly on a mission, and look set to strike a chord with Londoners with their sharp dress sense and chaotic shows.

“Falling, Part 2″ is intricate, delicate and memorable. Just like music should be. Adam’s vocals fit the songs perfectly, along with their cast of more than able musicians. Their cover of the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby is the stuff of legends, amazingly epic, and brings a new dimension to the Beatles. Similar to what Scissor Sisters did for Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb, this could be one of the covers of the year.

If nothing else you should check them out before they (hopefully) get massive later this year once they’re signed.

Just a quick note to say that Original Cast have been thrown out of the top 14 for Road to V, as they were signed and the competition is for unsigned bands. The Guests have taken their place now. They’re okay, but nothing too great methinks.

EDIT: Please Note that “Original Cast” have been removed from the top 14 as they were in fact signed. They were replaced by The Guests.

So they’ve announced the new Road to V shortlist today, and to be honest I’m a bit disappointed. The judges seem to have gone for the bands with the most “buzz”, the most positive press, or the most sell-able sound, rather than simply the best bands. Whilst I’m glad that Bo Pepper are included, I’m disappointed at the lack of singer-songwriters, or simply good songs consistently available.

The top 14 are, along with their MySpace page links are:

1. Bo Pepper
2. The Brightlights
3. Dylan James
4. India Mill
5. Johnny Foreigner
6. The Jubilees
7. Kagura
8. Maxfield
9. New Cassettes
10. Original Cast
11. Our Fold
12. Outside Royalty
13. Rosalita
14. Seven Heroes

Of these, I most like Bo Pepper, The Brightlights, Kagura, Maxfield, New Cassettes, and Outside Royalty, though expect me to change my mind repeatedly as the competition progresses. Some of them however I think are just outright shite (see Seven Heroes, and India Mill).

Expect much heated talk from me regarding these bands in the coming weeks.