Pioneers - Falling / Something New (Northern Ambition)
UK release date: 30 August 2004
Ah, Manchester. So much to answer for, as Morrissey once sang. Pioneers are yet another band of the seemingly endless conveyor belt of talent to come out of the city and their local reputation has been steadily growing over the last few months. This, their debut single, is a limited edition of 300, which means it will be worth a fair few bob when they inevitably make it big.
Although the 'sensitive indie guitar band' market is a bit overcrowded at the moment, this single indicates that Pioneers have the talent to go all the way. Falling weds a crunching guitar riff to an infuriatingly catchy chorus, coming off like a heavier version of Delays. The real gem though is Something New, a gorgeously lush masterpiece that shows off lead singer Phil Ziedler's vocals to stunning effect - the hair on the back of your neck will standing up at some points.
If you're the one of the lucky ones to get hold of a copy of this single, then keep it safe - Pioneers will be one of the big names of 2005 and this single will become something of a collector's item.
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