Best Scottish band for 2009

Published on Tuesday 6 January 2009 19:00

ATTIC LIGHTS www.atticlights.co.uk

Technically, with several plays of their last two singles on no less a show than Sir Terry Wogan's (only the most listened-to radio show in the UK), one might think that Attic Lights have already "made it". But the sky's the limit for this powerpop quintet, who should end the year striding the pop world like colossi. See them at Celtic Connections before everyone else catches on. Top Tune: God.

WE SEE LIGHTS

www.myspace.com/weseelights

The jockmopolitan We See Lights, who hail from Bo'ness, Airth, Corstorphine and Milngavie, with a bit of Granton and Leith thrown in for good measure, fit nicely into the Aberfeldy mould and that's no bad thing by any manner of means. Their debut album is imminent. Buy it for someone you love and see them smile. Top Tune: Parachute

DROPKICK

www.dropkickmusic.co.uk

Alt-country meets powerpop as Dropkick continue to hone their melodious art with smashing tunes and fabulous melodies a-plenty. Sure the influences are as plain as the nose on your face but with more hooks than Bob Nudd's fishing bag, 2009 could well be the year when the world truly knows their name. Remember what happened the last time a band with three Taylors emerged on the UK music scene? Need I say more? Top Tune: Patchwork.

PAPER PLANES

www.myspace.com/glasgowpaperplanes

Out of Glasgow via New Jersey, noiseniks Paper Planes promise to explode in 2009 with their special brand of power punk surf pop. If only they can stop lead singer Jennifer popping home to the States for her tea. Top Tune: Diamond Diner.

FINDO GASK

www.myspace.com/findogaskuk

Glasgow electro-warriors Findo Gask certainly have a way with a tune and, with the wind in the right direction, 2009 promises to be a fruitful year for the former Fifers. Hear last year's single One Eight Zero and think of Kraftwerk playing Frisbee with Lemon Jelly. Raveheart indeed. Top Tune: Va Va Va.

&#149 Paul Johnston is co-founder of the Scottish music website www.jocknroll.co.uk