Pop-doused art-punks Childcare tackle a very British problem on new single ‘Kiss?’, released on Lost in the Manor Records on 3 February. It all started when Ed Cares, one of West London's most in-demand male nannies, was overheard humming a song he had written, by Katie, aged six, who persuaded him to form a band. Josh, eight, boldly proclaimed: "You're probably my second favourite artist after Katy Perry."

And so, after sourcing some neighbourhood musicians capable of living up to Josh’s heady billing — specifically Emma Topolski (bass), Rich Legate (guitar) and Glyn Daniels (drums) — Ed soon had an able band to perform with under the only logical moniker in the circumstances: Childcare. Having honed their vivid and visceral live show on stages including Reading and Leeds festivals and now some of the land’s major concert venues, Childcare have released two singles to date, 'Omega Grey' and ‘Film Club’, earning extensive national radio play and enthusiastic coverage from key online tastemakers.

Kicking on over a rotating vocal/guitar hook and powered by crisp, rhythmic new wave, ‘Kiss?’ finds Childcare mainman Ed confronting the nature of regret and shame, as engendered by this very British social interaction. Childcare finished 2016 playing their biggest shows to date; in front of thousands as part of Bastille’s nationwide arena tour.

This came hot on the heels of the band releasing single ‘Film Club’ to comprehensive acclaim. ‘Film Club’ was the first taster of a new EP that also features ‘Kiss?’ and represents an emphatic statement sure to cement the adoration of all those newly turned on to the London quartet courtesy of that tour.

Listen to ‘Kiss?’ Here

With all dates of their current headline tour sold-out, and their April headline dates also sold-out, Manchester five-piece Cabbage have announced their three biggest headline shows to date.

The band released three four-track EP’s in late 2016: Uber Capitalist Death Trade EP, Necroflat In The Palace EP and Terrorist Synthesiser EP. A compilation of the three EPs - Young, Dumb and Full of... is available to stream now on Spotify.

Cabbage are Lee Broadbent (lead vocals), Joe Martin (vocals, guitar), Eoghan Clifford (guitar), Stephen Evans (bass), Asa Morley (drums). All dates will feature supported from The Blinders (main support) and Strange Bones (opener).

Pre-sale via Gigsandtours.com from 10am this Wednesday 8th February.

Tickets on general sale from 10am Friday 10th February.

Thurs 29th June, London Scala

Fri 30th June, Birmingham O2 Institute3

Sat 1st July, Manchester O2 Ritz.