Brand spanking new Cardiff promotions types Simatik debut with a jam-packed line-up at semi-spanking new Cardiff Buffalo-spin-off 10 Feet Tall.

Head-lining the nght are Bridgend rock outfit The Hustlers who draw definite Arctic Monkeys comparisons with their kind of simple, pop-culture indie tunes, there's a definite sense of fun-loving imagination to their tracks though that puts them a step up from other imitators. 'Lois Lane' features delightfully retro guitar solos and an opening that almost bursts into 'Walking on Sunshine'!

We Are The Afterglow have a more scrappy approach, there are shades of Queens of the Stone Age, notably in tracks like 'We Don't Need Fathers', and curious whispers of latter Red Hot Chilli Peppers. In fact, there seems to be a new direction and genre twist to each track I've heard, all centred around confident instrumentation that inspires almost unintentional head-nodding and foot-tapping even as I write this.

I'm pretty sure I've got a copy of Man Without Country's demo CD knocking around somewhere, and I remember being pleasantly surprised by their excellent production and song-crafting skill, and by the sounds of a recent BBC Cymru session they've come on in leaps and bounds since that release barely a few months ago! The Bridgend three-piece have a sort of ethereal sound to their music that draws comparison to Snow Patrol and The Smashing Pumpkins.

I'll be honest with you, I couldn't find anything out about Beard of Blessed via my usual means of research (*cough* MySpace *cough*), but, the three bands I have already mentioned should warrant your attention and anything else will, I imagine, be a cherry on an already tasty cake. Simatik have an interesting slate of gigs coming your way over the next couple of months and a determination to bring you a diverse and interesting range of bands.

Labels: simatik hustlers we are the afterglow man without country beard of blessed