QTheMusic.com

With snow and wintry conditions around, it might seem a little premature to be thinking about festivals, however with new talent showcase festival Eurosonic Noorderslag taking place in Dutch city Groningen last week (9-12 January), the summer is currently a top priority for many 'up and coming' acts. Rather than waiting to tour each country individually, the annual event is a handy shortcut that allows bands to play in front of bookers and live agents from across Europe with the hope of gaining slots at a variety of festivals come the warmer month. Q was also at Eurosonic and here's our selection of the artists who impressed so much we suspect you will be seeing in a field once the sun comes out.

Jake Bugg
A bit of a no-brainer after his debut album's Number 1, but the teen who looks like The Coral's younger brother is settling into his role as the big draw. With queues round the block, his live set, though still vulnerable and full of personality, is a bit heavier (there are guitar solos) and robust than on record suggesting some festivals might take a punt and give him some outdoor slots come the summer.
Most likely to: Make a lot of friends this summer
Jakebugg.com

Laura Mvula
Already highly rated for the handful of singles she's released in the last couple of months, live the Birmingham-based singer brims with a sunny, enveloping warmth. Musically dexterous, Mvula looks like she's having the time of her life onstage, making her shows an often moving, life affirming experience.
Most likely to: Be the act you can't get into the tent to see... Unless you get their early
Lauramvula.com

Phantom
Boy/girl duo from Finland whose heart-stirring yet poppy beats and clicks are driven by a unique, home built control centre called the UFO. Apparently it's an "ultra sonic midi controller", but basically it means rather than getting stuck behind a laptop, the pair's sounds are controlled by strange, Theremin-like hand gestures, which is pleasingly spooky.
Most likely to: Confuse some hung over festival goers with prime early slots... but in a good way
Wearephantom.com

Jacco Gardner
Mixing rolling drums, smooth harmonies and twisted harpsichords, the Dutchman's heady set slides from Beach-Boy-esque crests, via imaginary spy themes, to harmony-infused, chamber pop that recalls The Zombies. Psychedelic but not far gone, Jacco and his band have the air of a pastoral Tame Impala. Very compelling.
Most likely to: Be the act worth getting out of your tent early for this year
Jaccogardner.com

Palma Violets
Perhaps unfairly saddled with the task of saving British guitar music by some, undeniably the Londoners are a very, very good band. Mixing arty flourishes with live rabble rousing, they're both good fun and musically progressive which makes for a stomping but stimulating night out.
Most likely to: Save British guitar music... just kidding
Palmaviolets.co.uk

Efterklang
Heartbreaking indie with operatic flourishs, the Danes' emotional gravity is given a soaring touch thanks to their soprano co-vocalist. Indeed there's a lightness of touch to the band's newest songs that ensures not only do they never get doomy, but they're liable to cause your feet to shuffle. A National-like, late blossoming is not unlikely.
Most likely to: Be one of those bands you saw at a festival because you recognized the name and nothing else was on... now you're recommending to all your friends (so why wait till the summer?)
Efterklang.net

Temples
With bold beats driving their grooves, keys from the psychedelic high-church and suitably fried vocals (not to mention haircuts perfect for wigging out with), Temples balance a trippy brilliance with enticing, jangly hooks. Psych to sing-a-long to.
Most likely to: Stage their own 'happenings' in big tops all summer long
Facebook.com/templesofficial

Andy Burrows
Comfortably settling into life as a solo artist - Razorwho? - Burrows is not only building-up a strong following on the continent (as his festival slots proved) but his solo album Company has matured on the road thanks to his versatile and charming live band. Bitter sweet pop songs, infectious melodies and heart-on-sleeve lyrics suggest this is a permanent step beyond the drum kit for the Winchester man.
Most likely to: Shine all summer long (something his new pal The Snowman can only dream of)
Andyburrows.co.uk

Villagers
With their second album, {Awayland}, already hailed for its eerie adventurism, Conor O'Brien's men have transferred that new intriguing strangeness into their live shows. Still warm-hearted when they need to be, Villagers new willingness to take sonic and emotional leaps into the unknown gives the acoustic singer-songerwriter blueprint a refreshing upgrade.
Most likely to: Be warming-up for even bigger slots next year
Wearevillagers.com

Acid Symphony Orchestra
What's not to love about a group that consists of a producer 'conducting' ten serious men playing classic Roland TB 303 signal generators (the acid house instrument of choice)?
Mosy likely to: Encourage smiles among acid casualties and new ravers alike
Acidsymphonyorchestra.com

Acid Symphony Orchestra - Diamonds Of The Night from Jori Hulkkonen on Vimeo.

For more on this year's Eurosonic head to Festival.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl.

10:18 AM | 15/01/2013