The debut Kindness record is almost upon us and we caught the band at the new Arcola Tent last week. It was a show to remember and talk about for a long time to come and everything seems in place for Kindness to really blow up. The reviews are coming in thick, fast and gushing in praise:

Mojo                    “The new prince of bedroom pop”  ****
Q     “Deftly blending the celebratory and contemplative… a dance album that works as much on the mind as the body” ****
Uncut                   “Remarkable” 9/10
Notion             “This record is nothing short of a masterpiece”

Spend a bit of time in the world of Kindness before the album comes out on his excellently curated YouTube channel:

Kindness on YouTube

Here’s an old session we dug out of Revere for 6 Music. They are one of our favourite live bands, and their control of tension/release is at its best in this performance of ‘I Can’t (Forgive Myself)’. They are back playing for us on April 4th, and also play at Field Day.

Award Season has been upon us for a little while, and although The Horrors might not have been up for an Oscar at the weekend they are up for an NME award. Here’s our handy guide to who won what, who was nominated and who to root for.

Brits

A couple of EYOE acts were nominated for Brits this year. Florence and the Machine found themselves up against Adele for Best Female Solo Artist as well as British Album of the Year. Anna Calvi and the Vaccines contested the Best Breakthrough Act – stories we followed in 2010 with excitement.

FACT’s Alternative Brits

FACT magazine ran an alternative Brits on their website and a few Field Day/EYOE acts scooped prizes. Maya Jane Coles took Best British Female, Rustie got Best British Album, and the superb Julia Holter got the Best International Female nod.

NME AWARDS

Next up is the annual NME Awards. We’ll be treated to a performance from The Horrors with Florence and the Machine, which is something to get excited about, but there are some acts to root for too. The Horrors are up for Best British Band + Best Album, Florence and the Machine for Best Solo Artist, The Vaccines and Tribes will duke it out in the Best New Band catagory. Metronomy will surely scoop Best Dancefloor Anthem for ‘The Bay’. Field Day is also up for Best Small Festival.

Here are a couple of exciting new dates and some general artwork!

Lots of gigs to tell you about this week, and all but one of them is sold out. If you are heading out to a show this week keep an eye on our twitter @eatyourownears for stage times, and let us know what you think too.

Django Django – Monday – XOYO

Anyone who caught Django Django at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen at the tail end of last year might have had an inkling that a big year was in store for these guys and so far they haven’t disappointed. The debut album came out last month and is absolutely brilliant. Can’t wait to hear the highlights.

Open Assembly: Arthur Beatrice – Tuesday – Dalston Victoria

A nother band on a big upward curve is Arthur Beatrice. We posted their new song last week and can’t stop listening to it. Seeing them in such an intimate venue will seem like a special moment in a few months time.

Gotye – Wednesday – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Here’s one band you definitely won’t see in a small venue again, especially after their huge number 1 hit. A leap year happens only ever four years. Gotye play on that rare 29th day in February and this one promises to be just as special.

SBTRKT – Thursday – KOKO

This one at KOKO sold out in the blink of an eye and now we only have to mention SBTRKT in passing for people to load up the ticket websites. One of the best, and most popular, live acts in the country right now. We’re hugely excited to see SBTRKT at KOKO before two huge dates later in the year, which you can still get tickets for HERE.

Spector – Thursday – 100 Club

The singular Spector will also be making some noise on Thursday at the legendary 100 Club. This ought to be a special and cosy show for Spector before conquering the world with a debut album this year.

Sleigh Bells + Charli XCX – Thursday – Electric Ballroom

If those two shows weren’t amazing enough then how about a band with one of the most fun shows on Earth? Sleigh Bells return to London to perform songs from their new – and excellent – record. We can’t wait. Charli XCX a little further down the bill is a bonus and has impressed us with her dark-pop over the last few months. Unmissable.

NLF3 – Saturday –  Shacklewell Arms

French pan-global psych trio NLF3, two brothers in blood and a third in passion, play drifting yet highly focused instrumental music.

NLF3’s music is cyclical, textured and emotional, halfway between movie scores and innovative psychedelic transgressions. The band cites influences such as Aphex Twin, Fela Kuti, Ennio Morricone or Sonic Youth – mixing a lot of electronics together with a wide variety of instruments. This one will be another one not to miss at the Shacklewell.

Here’s a nice trailer to whet the appetite for Mouse on Mars at Village Underground. The band also received a very nice, gushing review from Pitchfork this morning. Catch that HERE.