TIRED OF FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT.

And just like that SXSW is upon us again, but before we go ahead and tell you about everything we've got going on down there, we'd like to introduce you to our pick for breakout stardom in Austin this year. Calling it now, in two weeks time, the name on everyone's lips will be that of HAIM. Born and raised in the City of Angels, the sisters Haim sound like the precocious daughters of Stevie Nicks, reared on the '90s sass of Destiny's Child, with the modern bite of Friends. We've had their debut EP Forever on infinite loop since its modest release last month, and the west coast trio are quickly establishing themselves as one of the most promising new bands in the country.

There's not a misstep or weak moment in sight on Forever, but it's the immaculate title track that's truly heatseeking pop at its finest, an understated anthem for a generation. The gloriously percussive intro paves the way for Danielle Haim's tightly knit melodies to stretch out under unshakable palms, as those blissful girl group harmonies (harmonies for days y'all) and a blistering bassline converge to give you a fleeting taste of immortality. When the claps announce themselves in the last gasp final refrain and spring-loaded synths cut through the mix like diamonds, it's clear we've got a band with boundless potential on our hands. A&R's who caught the sisters' lone CMJ play last fall gushed that they were the best live act of the week (and any that missed it lied to their bosses and said the same), so don't get caught sleeping next week. We'll be bringing you two opportunities to see them down in Texas (and in NYC later this spring), so stay tuned and watch this space.

MP3: "Forever" - HAIM

COLORS IN THE AIR.

Since making their Manhattan debut at Popshop last March, Friends have well and truly blown up on both sides of the Atlantic, and they continue their ascension to the stars on a much-needed re-release of debut 7" "Friend Crush" this month. The single already won over our hearts and minds the first time around, and the remix package highlight from Leo Zero is the golden ticket to disco salvation, when the fever grabs hold of you with the vice-like grip of young love. As she sways and seduces, frontwoman Samantha Urbani holds out her hand and you just can't help but take it, as Monsieur Zero takes us deep into another disco galaxy. It's like the Flight Facilities remix that never was, all resplendent synths and groove train basslines, and it's available for free below from our dear friends at Lucky Number Music.

DOWNLOAD: "Friend Crush" (Leo Zero Remix) - Friends

COLOURS IN THE AIR.

We've been loving the sights and sounds of new Lucky Number hopefuls Friends for a minute now, so it's with great pleasure that we bring you this exclusive mp3 of their pristine debut single "Friend Crush" ahead of their Popshop debut next Thursday (tickets still available here). There's a rough charm about "Friend Crush" that's too endearing to ignore, breezy melodies and shimmering guitars coming together to perfectly complement the earnest innocence of frontwoman Samantha Urbini as she yearns for something just a little bit more. They're one of the most exciting new bands in Brooklyn, if only because their sound is so far removed from the Brooklyn we're used to - sonically this wouldn't be out of place in Lyyke Li's catalog with Bjorn Yttling at the production helm - and we can't wait to hear what they've got in store for us in the months to come.

MP3: "Friend Crush" - Friends [exclusive]

POPSHOP003: OH LAND + ICONA POP + FRIENDS

Popshop 003. It's on. After selling out January and February we're back with a very special March lineup featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent from both sides of the Atlantic. But first a look back at February's Popshop, in which The Knocks and Penguin Prison had Tammany Hall going off unlike anything we've ever seen from a Manhattan crowd in a small LES venue, courtesy of our friends Jackpot In The West who were on the front lines once again documenting the mayhem first hand.

Moving on then to bold new frontiers with the March edition, we've got what just might be our most exciting lineup yet. Opening up the night is Brooklyn's hottest new band Friends - currently wrapping up a national tour with Darwin Deez supporting their brilliant debut single "Friend Crush" (stream below) - followed by our beloved Icona Pop's first ever show outside of their native Sweden and capped off by a headlining set from Denmark's inimitable Oh Land. And rounding out the lineup is a truly special DJ guest in the amazing Starsmith, the icing on the cake on what's already a very special lineup. As usual, it's popping off the first Thursday of the month - March 3rd - at Tammany Hall, with doors at 8pm and lasting until the early hours. $10 advance tickets available HERE, with $13 tickets available on the door if any remain. The first two Popshops sold out in advance though, so we'd recommend you to book now to ensure you don't get shut out. Set times and downloads/streams below:

09:00pm: Friends // STREAM: "Friend Crush"


10:00pm: Icona Pop // STREAM: "Manners" (Extended)

11:00pm: Oh Land // DOWNLOAD: "Sun of a Gun"

12:00am: Starsmith (DJ) // DOWNLOAD: "Give Me A Break" (Starsmith Remix)