What we really love about Clement Marfo & The Frontline is that for all the threatening bassy grime rumble of their tracks, when it comes to the chorus, they explode outwards with some of the biggest pop hooks you’ll probably hear all month. It’s a potent combo, and new single Mayhem is no exception – a brawling monster of a track that hits with the power of a freight train and the agility of a boxing pro. With a MTV Brand New nomination and the excellent Overtime tucked into their belts, things are looking very rosy indeed for these chaps.
Of the nine artists touted by MTV as the ones to watch in 2012, for me, Clement Marfo & The Frontline are by far one of the most exciting. This exuberant seven piece hip-hop gang from South London blaze onto the scene brimming with swagger and buckets of finger-flipping confidence.
Slipping effortlessly alongside contemporaries like Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder, the group keep pop sensibilities to the fore with an immense chorus of epic proportions in Overtime. Switching up from the full-throttle power of the central refrain to grimy rapped verses, the group are clearly as versatile as they are ambitious.
Having just polished off a tour of the UK, the group are riding high on a wave of support from Radio 1 DJs - Overtime standing as the first chapter in their undoubtable conquering of the airwaves in 2012.
We've only just kicked off December, but already the first 'Ones to Watch in 2012' list is in, courtesy of MTV! We all like to keep abreast of the hectic comings and goings of promising new talent, so here's a handy bite size guide of who they think will be all the rage next year:
ANGEL
West London lad who's written tracks for Pixie Lott and Roll Deep. Sounds like a British Jason Derulo - slick synth-heavy R&B with some nice soulful vocals to top it off, and he raps too! His track Ride Out already has over 400,000 views on YouTube.
CHARLI XCX
Uber talented 19 year old who's supported Robyn in the past. A bit like an electro version of Florence & The Machine. Her track Stay Away is gloriously melancholic.
CLEMENT MARFO AND THE FRONTLINE
Seven-piece hip-hop gang who've supported Plan B and Dizzee Rascal. Slide effortlessly into the British rap scene with a combo of powerfully delivered rhymes and a pop chorus of positively epic proportions on the brilliant Overtime.
CONOR MAYNARD
A fully fledged YouTube sensation who built his initial success on home-made cover versions, this Brighton lad's version of Use Somebody has over 2 million views. Not bad for an 18 year old, eh?
DELILAH
Ethereal, airy singer who remains implacably difficult to pin down. Her collab with Chase & Status and debut single Go positioned her as a clubland vocalist but new track Love You So veers towards a more trippy Massive Attack vibe. Properly amazing.
KING CHARLES
Super quirky and with the biggest hairstyle you'll see all year, his track Love Lust is half quirky Mumford & Sons folk, half percussive Vampire Weekend number, and the rest is just all kinds of bonkers. Probably the most 'indie' pick on here.
LANA DEL REY
We all know Miss Del Ray already - you know, the one off of 'Video Games' (already 8 Million views and counting on YouTube) - think sultry 60s sounds, a Dusty Springfield for the digital age.
LIANNE LA HAVAS
A favourite of Radio 1 DJs and she's already appeared on Later with Jools Holland - Age sees Lianne going for a soulful vocal and simple acoustic melodies. Like a Corrine Bailey Rae Pt. 2.
MICHAEL KIWANUKA
Beautifully soulful singer songwriter who shines as a real standout talent. I'm Getting Ready and Home Again possess such a inherent sense of melody and natural charm it's hard not to imagine Kiwanuka rocketing to mega-success in 2012.
