As 2008 hurtles towards us at a, quite frankly, scary speed, we thought we’d mention a couple of bands and artists we think you should look out for next year.

These articles can be a bit of a poisoned chalice. We can name a couple of bands who we think will be huge next year only for them to disappear behind the sofa quicker than spare change… But, we’re brave, and here’s some acts we recommend you check out.

Los Campesinos!
We’ve championed these guys quite a bit this year, but with the release of their debut album in February, recorded with Broken Social Scene maestro Dave Newfeld, it could be THE debut next year. Recent video for lead single “Death To Los Campesinos!” hints a bit more rounded, bombastic, BSS-like approach which, as long as it’s not TOO copybook, could be a thing of beauty.
mp3:> Los Campesinos!: “Death to Los Campesinos!”

Fuck Buttons
Listening to Fuck Buttons is like being sucked through a vortex of sprawling noise, feedback and delicate dribbles of sound. Sure, the name will ensure a lack of airplay on Radio 1, but BBC’s 6Music is making a good fist of it. A tentative release date for their debut LP is February… let’s hope it can deliver on the promise of their early EP’s. They blur the fine line between noise and tunes whilst driving guitars, synths and general madness through a tight funnel to produce something completely fresh and challenging.

The Wave Pictures
We’ve had the Wave Pictures album here for a couple of weeks now and it’s great. Like a twee-Fall, their twisted, whitty and moving lyrics take in all our favourite stops on the route to indie-pop greatness. The album may have a hint of the home-made approach in it’s production, but it only adds to it’s appeal. Expect “Leave The Scene Behind” to be filling dancefloors in the coming months. As a bit of taster, we’ve got an exclusive MP3 below:
mp3:> The Wave Pictures: “Now You Are Pregnant”

Vampire Weekend
I don’t think there’s going to be a “Pick for 2008″ list without these guys in it. Sounding like a metal / goth act, it’s quite surprising when you hear the jangling rhythms and World-y approach to their influences. In fact, they remind me of David Byrne’s World / Pop music cross-over albums like Uh-Oh. It’s smooth without being faceless and it sounds quite unlike anything else.

Pete & The Pirates
I was blown away by these guys at a gig recently. It’s as if British Indie-Pop has finally found its voice. There’s a hint of naivety about their lyrics, but there’s something everyday about them too. Their songs remind me of carefree days where all I did was drink, party and then sleep off the resulting hangover whilst worrying about girls. Brilliant.
mp3:> Pete & The Pirates: “Not A Friend”

British Sea Power
Yes, I know they’ve been around for a while, but 2008 is going to be THEIR year. I’ve heard Do You Like Rock Music? and it’s an epic, heaving beast of an album. Combing the spikeness of their debut with the cultured song-writing of their sophomore effort, it’s pretty much perfect. There’s waves upon waves of great guitar riffs all topped off with Yan’s peculiar vocal style and lyrics to bring a smile to your face and a warming to your heart. Do not be surprised to see this at the sharp-end of 2008 lists.
mp3:> British Sea Power: “Atom”

So, do you have any tips for next year? Make a comment below!