Stazi
Closely associated with veteran electro night Chips With Everything, Stazi have built a reputation for original performances that do justice to their rather left-of-centre material. From bastardising Ravel's Bolero on Torvill and Dean to creating otherworldly shamelessly northern oddities like World of Temptation, they always entertain.
www.wearestazi.com
The Lovers
Anglo-French outfit rooted in kitsch, electronically-enhanced lounge grooves, The Lovers are no stranger to Manchester's live scene. Playing shows that are often like Serge Gainsbourg working on a Tarantino score with the cast of Tot's TV, they've deftly showcased their curious compositions while broadening that fanbase. As bilingual as an old Berlitz tape - yet far more likely to seduce those ears.
www.voilathelovers.com
Working For A Nuclear Free City
Makers of non-Fadchester anthems, WFANFC take the Manchester of old and turn it on its head. Sure, the vocals can be drawled - a la Ian Brown - but the music itself is a more psychedelic prospect. The end result could be akin to The Chemical Brothers or UNKLE following a diet of mind-bending substances where indie epics mutate into sprawling modern soundscapes.
www.workingforanuclearfreecity.com
Dipoleman
Not content with already pushing the boundaries with My Computer's stunning albums, Vulnerabilia and No CV, one half has now emerged as Dipoleman. Blending classical with post-hip hop beats and electronica's wobbliest aesthetics, this is the start of something very special indeed. In addition, this date is a debut performance exclusively to Futuresonic.
www.myspace.com/dipoleman