Guardian Music — Inspired by hip-hop's screwed brigade, drag's heavy atmospherics and tormented outlook are pure musical entropyWhen Salem first stepped from the shadows in late 2007, people had fun describing their creepy and creeping sound: screwgaze, cave crunk, g... more info

The Vinyl Villain — I'm conciosus that more people have discovered TVV over the past 12 months or so than ever before, and it's a very fair bet that not many go back too far in the archives, especially as the mp3s attached to the writing have long been made unavailable... more info

Guardian Music — This secretive boy-girl duo have so far retained a sense of anonymity and mystique, but not for much longer – they are going to be a big deal over the next few monthsHometown: London.The lineup: Summer Camp (vocals, keyboards).The background: ... more info

Stereogum — Reyna Kay is one half of Blessure Grave, the gothy Hellhammer-referencing South California death rock band and one-time Outsiders you should expect big things from in 2010. (Well, amongst those of us who listen to Swans, Cocteau Twins, KUKL, and old ... more info

LargeHeartedBoy — Rolling Stone profiles The Big Pink. Sounds Like: A mix of suffocating shoegaze textures, arena-ready pop hooks and the occasional breakbeat, their debut album, A History Of Love, recalls classic 4AD labelmates like the Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dan... more info

Guardian Music — For 18 years, she was the 'voice of God' in the Cocteau Twins. Now Elizabeth Fraser finds it too difficult even to think about her old bandmatesThe Cocteau Twins had been apart for seven years, the mystique they had attained during their lifetime gra... more info

Guardian Music — This sole female auteur of the sun-kissed surf-pop scene has penned a love letter to LA, full of sunny yet sorrowful tales of boys and break-upsHometown: Los Angeles.The lineup: Bethany Cosentino (vocals, guitar).The background: Best Coast sounds lik... more info

Guardian Music — Julian Casablancas's alternative festive anthem might be great, but its ironic coolness can never compete with the supreme naffness of Cliff, Shakey and SladeLet's be clear: Christmas is, in no way, "cool". It's the one time of year when you're emoti... more info

Altsounds — The album, produced by *Ken Thomas* (M83, Sigur Ros, Cocteau Twins, Maps) is a blistering clash of swirling guitars and gorgeously dreamy harmonies that simultaneously carves *Engineers* a position along side other classic Shoegaze bands like My Bloo... more info

Guardian Music — The Zambri sisters might not have the allure of Patti or Siouxsie, but they create exotic and experimental music with a seemingly aimless diversityHometown: New York.The lineup: Jessica and Cristi Jo Zambri on vocals, plus Chris, Andy and Carrie on i... more info