In this feature, we ask darlings of the indie establishment who they think will be the next big act to break. 

This time, it’s the Mystery Jets.

Formerly based on the eccentric Eel Pie Island on the Thames Tideway, the Mystery Jets' roots can be found in the singularly peculiar legacy of Syd Barrett, as is reflected in the charmingly skewed psychedelic-pop of their earliest EPs, not to mention their remarkable 2006 debut, Making Dens.

Since then they’ve lent their hands to the more endearing and romantic side of indie, as on their 2008 single 'Young Love'. They've allowed themselves the occasional indulgence in day-glo electropop, as illustrated by 2008’s 'Two Doors Down'. They've truly cemented themselves as consistently strong songwriters on their 2010 album, Serotonin. And they've even experimented with sun-bleached Americana as on their 2012 album, Radlands.

To be sure, in these 10 short years the Mystery Jets have explored a great deal of sonic territory and have emerged triumphant for their efforts, rising far above the fickle British indie scene with which they were once so closely associated.

Most recently, this year’s Curve Of The Earth marks something of a return for the Jets to their psychedelic pop and prog-rock beginnings, albeit with a significantly revised and, arguably, far more insightful sense of perspective. It’s an astonishing suite of songs, simultaneously intimate and awe-inspiring, that is, in our opinion, their most coherent, sophisticated and creatively adventurous body of work to date.

Once nascent up-and-comers themselves, now firmly established artists in their own right, we asked the guys which rising artists they’re championing at the moment. Here’s what guitarist and singer Williams Rees had to say… 

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Pumarosa embody everything I love about a band. Each member plays puppet-master to their own eccentric universe of influences and fascinations, whilst in the centre of this honeycomb of experimentation stands Isa, their lady poetess and singer. I've watched Pumarosa blossom and blossom over the last 5 years, their songs have always been great, I sense now that they’re ready for your ears. Think Portishead, Can and PJ Harvey... you're still not close.



Johnny Lloyd is a songwriter with something special to share; words and melody are his church. From his perch he sees it all, his words expressing in minute detail every stage of the pendulum's rise and fall. I love Johnny's songs, they've been something of a soundtrack to the expanses of my twenties and I can recall many an occasion when I've wished I could write songs like his.

Hello Death EP by Johnny Lloyd. Produced by Jamie T and Hugo White (from the Maccabees), out in May.



Is Tropical have always pursued their own vision, absorbing the ever-changing and conflicting surroundings of their home turf in East London and transforming it into something amazing. On 'Black Anything' their four-part modular album (it was released on 4 transparent vinyl discs that when displayed together make a whole), Is Tropical prove that they're getting ever closer to perfecting their intoxicating blend of electronics and live band dynamism, this time colouring their spirited experiments with undeniable heart and soul.



Curve Of The Earth is out now on Caroline International.

The Mystery Jets are currently on tour around the UK and Ireland.

-Karl Jawara