Friendly Fires

We've always known this is one of the best musical cities in the UK, if not the planet, (cough!). Now it seems we're not alone.

Tonight the city plays host to the launch of a stunning national live extravaganza - the NME new Noise Tour.

And if you're in any doubt as to what the tour is about, the clue is in the name! Yep, it's all about volume. Oh, and all the acts are relatively new on the scene.

Headlining at the Carling Academy, are Canadian electro twosome Crystal Castles.

The Klaxons' labelmates will be joined by punk-funkers Friendly Fires, above, Northern upstarts Team Waterpolo, and west London synth-poppers White Lies.

Still very much bubbling under, each of these acts is looking at a stupendous 2008. And if you don't believe us, just check out the previously little-known bands unleashed upon an unsuspecting public by this tour over the years - including Maximo Park, Blood Red Shoes and The Cribs (whatever happened to them?).

"We are beside ourselves with anticipation and joy at returning to the city of dreaming spires," Jack from Friendly Fires told the Guide.

"And we hope town and gown will finally be united on the dancefloor."

Organisers of the tour, which is sponsored by ubiquitous purveyors of mass market menswear, Top Man, are equally beside themselves with anticipation, it seems.

"This year the New Noise Tour brings together four of the most exciting new bands tipped for success in 2008," an NME spokesman told us.

"The success of previous new music tours, and the calibre of the bands who have performed on the tour in the past, places these bands at the epicentre of new music."

Openers White Lies' Oxford debut will be only their fifth live performance ever, meaning local music lovers get a practically exclusive insight into the new noises which will be coming out of their stereos this year.

The NME New Noise Tour begins at the Oxford Carling Academy tonight. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets are £9.50 in advance.

6:15am Friday 2nd May 2008

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