The Barometer: Hooded Fang; Little Comets; Charlotte O'Connor; thenewno2; Willy Moon; Whales in Cubicles; The Staves; Chinese Christmas Card; High Highs

What's hot on our playlist

Dark little number: thenewno2 (EPA)

Hooded Fang

ESP

Canadian pop-rock'n'roll designed for dancing. Their 23-minute long debut album is a Nuggets-esque Sixties garage rock riot.

Little Comets

Worry

Infectious Afrobeat packed with carefully constructed lyrics sung with conviction. This hard-touring band finally come of age on record.

Charlotte O'Connor

Shine On

The husky voiced 18-year-old is the first signing to surfwear brand Quiksilver's new label. This cute, piano-led pop song is her debut single.

thenewno2

Wide Awake

The first offering from the latest musical outlet of George Harrison's son Dhani is a dark little number with portentous guitars and a dramatic melody.

Willy Moon

I Wanna Be Your Man

Moon uses the famous Bo Diddley beat and combines it with a slick production and a wildly expressive lead guitar.

Whales in Cubicles

We Never Win

A beautiful, chiming guitar riff kicks off this jerky slice of Americana. Frontman Stef Bernardi's breathless delivery is particularly memorable.

The Staves

Mexico

Subtle folk based around a gorgeous three-part harmony and a lilting acoustic guitar. Laura Marling, watch out.

Chinese Christmas Card

Dreams

Upbeat indie electro recalls The Killers' debut album.

High Highs

Open Season

Elton John-backed folk-pop.

Listen to this week's free playlist on Spotify at Independent.co.uk/mixtape