Three Times As Vice

As we roll into 2008 in earnest, we hope to be blessed with great things. 2007 yielded debut albums from bright new acts such as The Enemy, The Pigeon Detectives and The Twang to name but three, and was widely regarded as a great year for British music. So this new year has much to live up to, and with that in mind, Topshop have seized the reins early on to stage their brief Vice Live tour featuring three of the nation's most promising talents.

Southend's Ipso Facto are first up - heavily indebted to the jaunty post punk of Bloc Party, this all girl four piece may be a little gimmicky, but they're kicking up something of a storm on the London gig circuit, and this could well be their big chance.

Friendly Fires hail from leafy St Albans, but nothing could be less obvious. They embrace none of the pleasantry of their home town, preferring to infuse their repertoire with dirty funk beats and new rave inspired electro, creating a sound brimming with innovative fervour. Undoubtedly one of the big noises of 2008.

Indie boys Black Kids are almost the antithesis of Friendly Fires, but have no less potential for big things. There is something of a melodic jangle to their sound, like a happy-go-lucky Coral, or a more believable Beach Boys. This admirable spring in their step could be a deciding factor in their future path - with any luck, they could have a niche here, and there's every chance they might exploit it.

The Topshop Vice Live tour 2008 starts on the 30th January and tickets are free.

30th January - Glasgow ABC 2
31st January - Manchester Mint Lounge
1st February - London, 93 Feet East
2nd February - Bristol, The Fleece