Something is stirring in Colchester, Essex and man oh man does it feel good. Already this place boasts a strong selection of established and emerging artists and now add to that some excellent unsigned new young ‘uns and it is becoming quite a hotbed for discovering interesting & vibrant music.

So – to the young ‘uns. Is it something in the water? It tastes like tomorrow and we at FOTN invite you to have a taste. First up is Plaitum and my word what they do has all the right elements to blow up big style.After being tipped off this afternoon by promoter of the people and hip tastemaker Ben Howard I was bowled over by this act.

Consisting of Abi Dersiley and Matt Canham I confess to knowing very little about them other than the fact I think their music is pretty special. It’s a futuristic dub plate synthy electronic mash up mixed with the voice of a diva sent from heaven:  everything I had wished Lana Del Ray could have been post-Videogames (albeit with the assistance of a blissfully dubbed out sidekick herself).

What a fantastic sound this is – throw into the mix the fact that they are very striking visually and its a heady brew. Seriously consider checking these guys out whilst you can before the world takes them away to claim as their own. Find out more about them here

A guy I know called Deansy said recently about Colchester that “it punches way above its weight musically for a town of its size” and never have I heard a truer word said. Up next is the joyful electronic indie pop music of IntotheNorthSea (aka George Brooke-Smith and Mathew Keightley).

I find the music of IntotheNorthSea lifts me, cheers me up, makes me think so much more is possible. With lyrics that speak of the seaside, deckchairs – and of good dreams being drawn up – they have me hook, line and sinker.

With vocals to swoon over, guitar chops to jump around to and electronic doodling as an inventive backdrop, this is something we are only too happy to share with you. More info on them here

The last but far from the least of today’s trio and yet another new band pops up and the wonderful thing is-its very blooming good indeed. Gareth Vs The Shark step forward!

‘Old Friend’ cuddles you, teases you, dances you around a field or two… and then leaves you asking “what just happened – and when will it happen again?”

These guys know how to work the dynamic range – singer Oliver Summers being blessed with a unique voice. Wrapped around a warm and endearing song sits a cheeky guitar & bass refrain – with a drummer taking the less travelled route. New friends feeling like old friends, it’s gotta be a good thing hasn’t it?  Find out more about them here