Armed with a truly outstanding debut single, "Monsters Under the Bed," that recalls artists ranging from Odelay-era Beck to '80s U.K. cult heroes the Television Personalities, Eugene McGuinness appeared virtually out of nowhere in 2007. A singer and songwriter of varied tastes whose talents extend beyond what's currently fashionable, with an eye for mixing and matching unexpected influences into a unique personal style. His debut, eight-track mini-album, The Early Learnings of Eugene McGuinness, was released by Double Six in the summer of 2007, followed by his eponymous sophomore effort in 2008. ~ Stewart Mason