Coming together at Leeds University - the birthplace of TMR alumnus Adult Jazz - Jarbird create similarly intelligent, thought-provoking soundscapes as their fellow alt. poppers. The now London-based four-piece have unveiled a second taste of their forthcoming debut EP, due 4th March on exciting-looking indie label Oskar Recordings. “Iona” takes its name and tells the tale of the peaceful quiet found on a remote island in the Hebrides and, as such, gives off the feel of Sigur Ros and the equally expansive sounds of label-mates Aquilo. A soaring falsetto flies above a wash of strings and increasingly thundering percussion as the almost spiritual new track builds to a beautiful climax akin to its subject matter. With a sold out headline show at London’s Waiting Room to celebrate the EP release on 9th March, those of us unlucky enough to miss out on tickets will have to make do with this gorgeous trip to “Iona”. -G.O'B