The Pools might not have the same name power as Dartmouth’s favourite resident, but the band has pulled in some major support in this year’s poll. Forming over two years ago, The Pools have been upping their stature of late with the recent release of their debut album Side of the Road. The first single, “Kickin’,” has quickly become a fan favourite. “It’s an up-rock tune,” says bass player Richard Belding (Saved by the Bell fans represent). “It’s pretty catchy, we like to play it live.” Plaskett’s contribution to this double bill is the Clash-inspired “Work Out Fine” off Truthfully Truthfully; a minimal rock track whose video features the equally adorable presence of both bunny rabbits and Ian McGettigan’s MullHawk. “I wrote that song really quickly,” says Plaskett “I was just writing the words out as soon as they popped in my head. I think that’s why people respond to it so well, it has a real nursery rhyme quality to it.”
Runners-up: The Trews, “Not Ready to Go”; Matt Mays, “City of Lakes”
