MIDEM 2009: TALENT SPOTTING BRITS AT MIDEM.(Sound recording review)

Palais des Festivals/Ambassadeurs

The Mercurymen (RCA)

Citing Coldplay, Brian Wilson and Ryan Adams among their influences, The Mercurymen formed in 2006, bringing together solo musicians Jinder, Simon Johnson & Gavin Wyatt. Their debut album, entitled Postcards from Valonia, enjoyed a soft release in September but efforts will be ramped up this year as RCA pushes the button on their global rollout. An independently recorded and released EP, Keep Me In Your Heart, was issued in 2007.

The Travelling Band (Sideways Salon)

Manchester's The Travelling Band can count Michael Eavis, Clash, Q and 6Music among their many and varied fans, all of whom have sung their praises at some point over the past 12 months. The group won the coveted New Talent competition at Glastonbury last year and their debut album, Under the Pavement, has since attracted plenty of praise; it is an understated album full of raspy vocals, gorgeous harmonies, lilting minor chords and old-fashioned, well-crafted songs.

Honey Ryder (Autonomy)

Honey Ryder is the musical vehicle for London-based duo, Martyn Shone and Lindsay O'Mahoney. They recently concluding a run of dates with Will Young across the UK incorporating shows at the historic Royal Albert Hall and Roundhouse in Camden, while debut album Rising Up was released in November, the lead single from which has been garnering support from The Box, 4 Music, Radio Two and 5 Live. The album was effectively self-funded after the duo - one of whom is an investment banker - devised a unique funding model for the project, which involves selling shares in the future profits from income they expect to generate.