Issue 374

Wolf & Cub.

As a band, Wolf & Cub are appealing on a few levels. Firstly, they are local.
Secondly, they are bloody brilliant.
Thirdly, their brilliance is enveloped in the fact they seem to have come up with a sound that is different to the current trend of music (mainstream or alternative)... It's a sound and a vibe that has instant appeal - and infamous UK label 4AD felt strongly enough about the band that they signed them to a worldwide licensing agreement...

Wolf Parade
Apologies To The Queen Mary
Sub Pop/Stomp

A few months ago there was a Sub Pop compilation which contained Wolf Parade's You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son, and at the time I thought to myself, "I'll remember this moment as being when I first heard one of my future favourite bands." That prediction seems to be going to plan with the release of 'Apologies To The Queen Mary', which is one of those damn-near-perfect records that come along late in the year and mess up my perfectly balanced best-of list...

You read dB all year to find out what's good and what's... not so good.

And now at the festive end of 2005 we've conveniently reflected on the year that's been and served you up a highlights package of the best in Music, Film, Theatre and Visual Arts!