Cargo Records

Cracks (and other breaks in the surface) EP

21gunsalute's stark, windswept sounds recall the warm fuzziness of Mercury Rev and emotive swirls of Spiritualised (Jason Pierce has already proclaimed himself a fan) and the breathless beauty of distinctly British-sounding bands such as British Sea Power or Doves. There are touches of Nick Drake's pastoral tones in there too.

From the same diverse Newcastle-Sunderland scene that has recently spawned The Futureheads, Golden Virgins and Yourcodenameis:milo, 21 Gun Salute's live shows have been known to involve, in turn, the use of stools, spectacular light displays and gospel choirs. They formed in early 2003. Cue long walks round badly-lit estates and time spent in a damp-walled bunker in Sunderland. Human fermentation. Social incubation; once you step outside, there's no turning back