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Cactusk are a band that hail from Ann Arbour in Michigan and comprise of two members called Matt. Now this is not as usual as it seems as in 1871 the Senator of Michigan Matthew Matthewson passed a bill that demanded that all the men of the state should change their name to Matt and any new born male should be christened likewise. It is unsure why this happened but it was thought that the Senator was terrible with names and this was the best way to get around the problem. Of course none of this is true and it happens to be a coincidence but that would have just been a boring explanation now wouldn't it?

With a name like Cactusk, it really just goes without saying that whatever comes out of this music-making machine will probably provide nothing less than a captivating catch of the good stuff. Having drifted from all the way across the pond, these Michigan-based fellows conjure up something that is both mellow and momentous, and their new single A Lie is a fine example of just how they manage to master such a sound.

There was something unusual the other day when entering the TSM Radio office, something not quite the norm. I looked around and saw that the men had combed their hair and looked like they had been near a wash basin, they smelt different, and there was a waft of Brut 33 in the air not the normal odour of stale beer and cigarettes. They were all wearing their best clothes too; it looks like they had made an effort. Then it hit me, sultry singer Bella Saona from The Fire and Reason was due in for an interview that day. I don't know they are like bees around the honey pot.

In 1991 people in my area dropped their glow sticks, ripped off their raving gear and dawned longer hair, scruffy jeans and chequered shirts, the reason? Nirvana! Kurt Cobain and the album Nevermind changed music and the way people were. Suddenly grunge was the best thing since sliced bread, and it was the way forward. Everyone had a shot at it but Nirvana were the bollocks! But like all good things it came to an end in 1994 with the death of Cobain. Although many bands tried the spirit was never really there, the ruggedness had gone and it seemed bands were just trying to copy but failing.

With this self titled track comes a bombardment of U.S guitar rock, tinged clearly with 80's New Wave British influences. We are lead in by a bass rift which echo's of Joy Division, and there is no denying a strong Cure feel to this amazingly vibrant song. There are of course some American influences evident too; the vocals are reminiscent of Arcade Fire in their haunting harmonies. There is a hungry sense of urgency conveyed through the up tempo beats and hearty vocals that gives this song an interesting edge. "It's like moving in a dream, you're asleep but your body doesn't know it," with their well written lyrics and catchy melodies this American band are definitely stirring up some interest.

The guys from Monster Eats The Pilot took the TSM Radio interview this week. Richard, Robert and Matt are based in California. Richard was born in France and sometimes incorporates french lyrics into his songs. It was evident that Richard had some french in him as when I explained that the band would not be paid for the interview he set up a demonstration and barricaded the office with bales of hay and sheep and started mocking me about my love making techniques and my lack of taste in food.

This of course is not true and I love the french...they make good cheese.

Well it has been a while since the last TSM Radio interview but we returned with a treat for you. Taking the interview this time round is Sophie B AKA A Girl and A Gun. Now you may notice in this interview tha Sophie only answers 9 questions and not the usual 10, this is due to a clerical error as we ran out of money before the last question could be drafted. Hopefully this will not spoil your enjoyment of reading the interview however we are starting a '10th question for Sophie' benefit if you are interested in donating to this worthy cause.

If you asked me to sum up Wa Da We Da by Killola in one sentence I'd say it sounded like Patti Smith fucking KatieJane Garside. I know I'm not struck on Patti or Katie, but sling them together and it works. It's catchier than herpes, I'm already singing along with more enthusiasm than one of the delusional mentalists from ‘Pop Idol'.

Well, well, well. Give me ‘American Punk' and you are often signing up for a rant about how much I can't stand it in general. (I know I like Rancid, but that doesn't COUNT) So when I was given a Blameshifters cd to review, I eyed it with suspicion for some time, (even though I thought the sleeve was cute-as) and eventually bit the bullet...and really really liked it and would like to adopt them. So there.