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Noisettes

Who? Rapturous frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa does double duty as lead singer and bassist for the U.K. indie rock act, Noisettes. Dan Smith provides supporting vocals and ear-splitting guitar riffs while Jamie Morrison offers fulltime rhythmic support on drums. With three years of experience to their credit, Noisettes drop their debut album, What’s the Time Mr. Wolf, in the U.S. today via Universal Motown.

What’s the deal? As captivating a singer as Shoniwa is, there are unavoidable comparisons drawn between Noisettes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, especially with Shoniwa and Karen O. Shoniwa’s vocals may sound unwieldy and off-kilter like O’s but she has clear command over her bearings, transitioning from electrifying, fast-paced songs to slower, sultrier sounds in a heartbeat. An unmistakable flair for showmanship seals the deal for Noisettes. At times, Shoniwa’s onstage getups reach Ziggy Stardust proportions. Matched with the frenetic energy of Smith’s guitar work and Morrison’s indispensable rhythms, Noisettes are already considered legendary for their daring and chaotic live shows.

Fun fact: The Three Moods of the Noisettes, Noisettes’ first EP, garnered the attention of established U.K. bands like Bloc Party, Babyshambles, and Muse, all of whom invited the budding trio to support them on tour in 2005. TIFFANY WAN

Now Hear This: Noisettes – “Scratch Your Name” WINDOWS MEDIA | QUICKTIME | REAL

On the Web: Noisettes.com

Talk: What kind of noise have you been making over Noisettes?