Month In Review: February 2014

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It's that time again, here's our month in review for February...

Admittedly not quite as frantic as January - February has been anything but boring. Continuing with last month's debut feature "Month In Review", we head into March taking a short but sweet look back at the best of February, announcing track and album of the month and all other notable events and occurrences. Finally you can stream a playlist of the best music from February - just incase you've had a busy month and need a catch-up.

SINGLE OF THE MONTH

Single of the month wasn't as easy this month and we feel it only right to mention the few who came inches from the title; The Horrors comeback, "I See You", and early February release, "Chinese New Year" from SALES. But tipping them by a hairs breadth was SOHN's latest and greatest - "Artifice". The track breathes fresh air and perspires honey, it's different without being so commercial it makes you sick and that's why it's our single of the month.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

We've been banging on about the new album from Phantogram for so long, the edge was kind of taken off it and as good as the release was - it was very good - Wild Beast's fourth studio LP, Present Tense caught us by surprise, taking the title. Present Tense is as solid an effort as we've seen from the band, expanding on previous releases and experimenting with new ideas. It all works perfectly without losing any of their charm - grab a copy here.

OTHER NOTABLE HAPPENINGS

News in February was arguably bigger and hotter than January. Acts like Lykke Li, The Horrors and Tashaki Miyaki made returns, along with the swift return and shock new track from Thee - supposedly on hiatus - Oh Sees. Esben & The Witch announced a crowdfunding scheme to fund their new album, to be produced by Steve Albini, unveiling a bigger-and-better sound on "No Dog".

Musicians were also busy starting new projects and these included Mary Timony's Ex Hex, Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks and Frankie Rose's Beverly - all unveiling killer new tracks. Finally, The Wytches announced their signing to Heavenly Records and unveiled a host of new tracks, including the sublime "Wire Frame Mattress".

BEST NEWCOMERS

We're fairly chuffed to say that the best of the best newcomers all came from Britain, the magic trio were Birmingham's Juice, Leeds' Goodbye Chanel and Manchester's Girl Friend - You see, not all the best bands come from London.