Sea Monsters 2 – Munich, Black Black Hills, Jumping Ships, Twin Brother

The penultimate Sea Monsters line-up was a display of potential next big things, the four bands combining varying degrees of crossover appeal, ego and ambition. Twin Brother were a reserved opener, but Alex Wells’ sonorous voice, quality songcraft and charm bode well for success. Jumping Ships’ crunching thrashpop pulled a notable early crowd, throwing out big, broad tunes with adrenaline and sweat. Black Black Hills’ played their unique electronic blues with energetic flair, vocalist Samuel Aaron enjoying the showmanship. Munich took up the flamboyant challenge, frontman Stuart Slade’s wild-eyed abandon propelling their post-Verve anthems over the horizon.

The Prince Albert, 27 January 2012

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