Reviler Most Promising Acts of 2011

One of the great things about following music is that there are always great new bands coming up through the ranks.  Below are the lists of the bands that Reviler writers think might be the “next big thing” in 2011.

Jon Behm (Reviler)

1. Janelle Monae (Album Review, Photos)

This young artist has the potential and the talent to become a legend

2. Malachai (MP3, Radio K In-Studio)

 The band has had some misses but when they hit “Fading World,” “Shitkicker,” “Snowflake,” “Another Sun”) they show incredible potential

3. Tame Impala (Album Review)

These young Aussies may be poised for greatness

4. The Moon Glyph stable

Tender Meat (Album Review), Buffalo Moon (Album Review), Velvet Davenport (Album Review), Food Pyramid (Album Review)– I could go on. This local label has about three times as many promising young bands as any label around.

5. (Tie) Shad, Dylan LeBlanc (Album Review), Sharon Van Etten (Album Review)

All three of these artists had good but not great albums this year.  And all three have the potential for so much more. 

Josh (Reviler)

Gauntlet Hair (MP3, MP3)

They teased us with a few singles this year.  If their full length is close to as good as those releases, I suspect they will blow up.

Pigeons (Album Review, Photos)

I was a little let down seeing them live, but their various releases this year were captivating and I see big things for them.

Food Pyramid (Album Review)

There are lots of amazing local bands, but for some reason Food Pyramid’s sound fits in right now in what people like and they keep getting better with each tape they release on Moon Glyph.

Pure Ecstasy (MP3, MP3)

Read the Gauntlet Hair post above.  Will be interesting to see who can fulfill their promise better in 2011 between the two somewhat similar bands.

Ali Elabbady (Background Noise Crew, Egypto Knuckles)

J. Cole’s Debut Record

While it’s certainly promising especially after his mixtapes and cameos, this man is damn ready for the spotlight.

Mally

A rapper who’s lyrical dexterity recalls the east-coast golden era of MC’s.  And his skill shouldn’t be short-changed, nor should his hustle.  Here’s to hoping we see much more of him soon! Expect an LP collaborative between Mally and The Sundance Kid in 2011

The Tribe & Big Cats “Forward Thinkers Movers Shakers”

Truth Be Told, Big Cats! and DJ Pete help bring some much needed original synths and explosive drums.  If their “Let’s Be Professional” mixtape is any evidence, expect this album to make waves in the months to come.

Lupe Fiasco “Lasers”

The fact that this man has fans willing to protest on his behalf shows his star power.  Atlantic as well as Lupe says we should see this in 2011, let’s hope that the promise is stuck to.

Dr. Dre “Detox”

After hearing two leaks, and finally now confirmed to come out in 2011, I’m not holding my breath much for this one, but if it does stick to its promise, we can all be assured it’s going to be interesting.

Zach McCormick (Radio K)

Freddie Gibbs (Album Review)

Plenty of hungry young emcees dropped mixtapes and albums this year in the hopes of becoming the next big underground success story but the after seeing Gary, Indiana’s favorite son Freddie Gibbs tear the proverbial roof off of the Pitchfork Music Festival I’m pretty confident that 2011 will be the big year for Gangsta Gibbs. Like some of the genre’s most beloved artists, Gibbs serves his tales of street life with a mixture of bravado and genuine regret, unflinchingly honest about the glories of the corner game and the tragedies it embodies. Not to mention he’s got one of the sickest flows around, with a machine-gun speed and a knack for getting the most out of even the most gutter of beats. Check out the Gibbs’ three fantastic mixtapes The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs, Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik and St8 Killa No Filla to get a taste of why Freddie Gibbs is my Rising Star pick.