Barricade

Dublin quintet Spies wore their influences on their sleeves when they contributed a version of The National's 'Terrible Love' to The Quarter Inch Collective's Quompilation back in January, and judging by 'Barricade', I reckon Interpol and White Lies weren't far down on their 'To Cover' list. Still, to dwell on these similarities would be to miss out on an absolutely cracking piece of epic, doom-laden indie rock - 'Barricade' is mournful, elegant and unshakably soulful. Consider the gorgeous, tribal percussion and razor-sharp vocals by front lad Michael Broderick and you've got a hugely emotive rock ballad on your hands.