Loose Canon - Cruising On The 86 (Akoustik Anarkhy)

"Gritty" is a good word for the Manchester quartet Loose Canon, whose guitarist AC is founder of the Akoustik Anarkhy club night. They clearly have an awareness of the musical heritage of their city, with Joy Division a palpable influence.

The vocals sound a bit like Ash's Tim Wheeler in the quieter verse sections, but the chorus takes on a mind of its own with a rising motif set against a wall of guitars. Tuning and rhythm are approximate at best, but that's all part of the style, and gives a garage flavouring to the band.

The track leaves a mark, there's no doubt about that, and although it may not be quite distinctive enough, it gives enough reasons to suggest this band will be worth keeping an ear out for.