2014 is fast shaping up as the year that rock strikes back. With the recent announcement that more rock albums were sold last year than any other genre, the next twelve months are seeing guitars storm back in a big way, and in the vanguard of the new rock explosion are Fiction Records' newest signings Little Matador.

Their debut single ‘Stitch Yourself Up’ is an earth-quaking stomp full of swagger and intent; dripping aggression, danger and sex in equal measure. And this is reflected in the eye-catching video, set in a smoky strip-club and featuring lead singer Nathan Connolly in a startling twist.

It’s a long way from Nathan’s other role as lead guitarist for Snow Patrol, and musically Little Matador inhabit a different space altogether. Drinking from the same potent cup of raw rock integrity as QOTSA, Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro and Arctic Monkeys, they join the likes of Band Of Skulls and Royal Blood in championing a new breed of rock’n’roll.

Little Matador as previously announced are heading out on tour later this month and will be snarling away with conviction at the following shows:

MARCH

27th – Shepherds Bush Empire, London (supporting Band Of Skulls)

29th – Rock City, Nottingham (Hey Hey Hey! club night)

31st – Boileroom, Guildford

APRIL

1st – The Alexandra, Southampton

2nd – Waterfront Studio, Norwich

24th – The Venue, Derby (Radar Love club night)

25th – Cavern Club, Exeter

26th – Louisiana, Bristol

29th – Railway, Winchester