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Shimmering indie-pop, providing the perfect soundtrack to your summer...

Just as it seems that all people in Scandinavia do is form metal bands, I'm also becoming increasingly convinced that all people in Manchester do is form indie bands; and the Manchester-based Polytechnic don't do much to allay my suspicions with the release of their second single 'Pep' through Transgression Records on July 31st.

Polytechnic's debut 'Won't You Come Around/Let Me Down', released last April set the wheels in motion for the five-piece, receiving much critical acclaim and seeing the band performing alongside the likes of The Strokes, Doves, and fellow Mancunians, The Longcut; not to mention winning the approval of Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq, who dubbed Polytechnic his 'new favourite band'.

'Pep' is not just a clever name; in fact, it perfectly sums up the band's vital, high-energy sound. 'Pep' positively shimmers with jangly indie guitars and bubbly keys, catchy foot-tapping rhythms that tumble around your head and Dylan Giles' soaring voice, while the B-side, 'Headshaker' opts for a brasher guitar sound and some punkier no-nonsense vocals as it overlays indie guitars and burry electric solos. To sum it up: spangly indie-pop that provides a perfect sound track to your summer.

Watch out for Polytechnic's debut album, expected for release early next year.