The List top the list

Congratulations to The August List, whose track 'Wilderness' has been named the best of 2017 by an Oxfordshire act by Nightshift contributors. Editor Ronan was more than happy to stick his neck out back in April and predict that the alt-folkies' second album Ramshackle Tabernacle would be the finest released by any local band all year - and he was proven right (yes, Ride, that includes you). When I heard 'Old Rip' and 'Connie Converse', in concert in June 2015, it was already evident that the record they were working on would be something special. My pick of the LP's tracks was 'Petrified Forest', but I certainly have no quibbles whatsoever with 'Wilderness' - a track that exemplifies their dark American of yore and newfound embrace of drones - scooping the prize.

At risk of divulging trade secrets, three of my other four nominations also made it into the upper echelons of Nightshift's Top 25: 'Coup' by Cassels, who have had quite a year (and who I unfortunately missed playing Cardiff with Single Mothers last night); 'I'm Not There', the punchily melodic standout track on grungers Slate Hearts' recent Honey Roasted Henry EP; and the bubblegum fuzz-pop of 'Radio' by recent Sounding Bored guests The Other Dramas. All well worth your ears' attention.