We're back once again, but starting the new year slower than the Manchester United back four - with just a handful of singles to challenge for a place in next week's chart.

First up are The Hush Now with 'Contrails' which is scruffy, melodic indie-pop. Reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub, which is no bad thing. (JD)

Niyi - Jungle Fever EP
On the one hand, these six tracks (three of which are remixes) are marginally darker and more interesting than your standard urban fare, mixing elements of such genres as bassline and electro. On the other, Niyi falls back on some of the more depressing aspects of the scene. You know what to expect from an R'n'B track entitled 'Dirty Dirty Girl'. (JD)

Lostprophets - 'Where We Belong'
The second single to be taken from their upcoming album, The Betrayed, comes equipped with an unashamedly crowd-baiting chorus that makes it destined to become a live favourite. Much more stadium-friendly rock than their heavier last single, it's a further sign that their new album has the potential to be one of 2010's finest. Not much here that would persuade you though if you weren't already a Lostprophets fan. (IS)



Simian Mobile Disco: Cruel Intention
SMD kick off the new decade with a super sensual dancefloor friendly track which, fronted by the inimitable Beth Ditto, is one of the highlights of their essential Temporary Pleasure album. Contender for single of the week but misses out by a whisker.(SB)



So the coveted inaugural Music Fix Single of The Week title for 2010 goes to:

Delphic: Doubt
The perfect antidote to seasonal excess, ‘Doubt’ is a wafer thin, tongue tingling sorbet of pop perfection which recalls the jangly electro-pop genius of their Mancunian predecessors Electronic. Highly recommended. (SB)

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