Electro-pop is alive and well

By Philippa Goymer BBC Tyne contributor

Kid Coda Sounds are an electro-pop/disco house group

As diverse and eclectic as any major city, Newcastle's music scene is as exciting now as it was in its indie heyday.

Back when a Paul Smith (Maximo Park) sighting was akin to one of an actual A-Lister - and indie bands were in abundance - Newcastle was hot. Like red - no wait - white hot.

To those who haven't got their ear to the ground, it may seem that our music scene has plateaued.

Fear not, fair weather music fans, as the latter could not be further from the truth.

Among all the indie swagger the city boasts some very exciting and innovative electro outfits - Kid Coda Sounds being one of them.

1980s throwback

These guys certainly know how to roll with the punches, emerging from one of the city's favourite indie collectives Kid Coda.

No strangers to the party scene, Kid Coda Sounds found their niche on the dance floor. Their ubiquitous front man Marcus Kill fulfils the role of "human voice", which is always useful.

In their words, Kid Coda Sounds strive to make records akin to a 1980s top ten act and should the electro-clash of 2002 wish to join them for a dance, then all the better.

Essentially, their electro-pop/disco house sound fits in well with current music trends.

Franco Fernandez is the trio's token 'hot chick'

The slick electronic riffs that reverberate the dance floor make a KCS gig a one to remember. The keyboard is always made excellent use of and the result is delicious.

Underground scene

Dancing their troubles away one night they spotted who was to become their token "hot chick", Franco Fernandez.

She may sound like a Cuban dictator but has actually gone on to fulfil the role of both hot chick and soulful songstress.

Nicky Thrill (I see a pattern emerging) offers his services as synthesiser and sympathiser, although I'm not too sure Nicky fulfils the latter role as much as he does the former.

In any case, Kid Coda Sounds represent an aspect of Newcastle's underground music scene that doesn't often find itself in the limelight.

'Smash Hits'

Recent gigs have proven that perhaps the time has come for an act reminiscent of an 80s Smash Hits cover to be thrust into this limelight - which I think can be found somewhere west of the Bigg Market and definitely south of Grey's Monument.

The O2 Academy in Newcastle is where you're most likely to find these guys, in The Academy Two where dazzling performances and strong vocals are thrust upon a generation seeking an alternative.

November 2009 sees the eagerly awaited debut album release which coincides with a gig at the afore mentioned O2 Academy alongside Where Angels Play, followed by the legendary club night Bulletproof.

The constant requirement to offer something different, it could be argued, is being fulfilled by this talented Tyneside bunch.