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It has been an exciting start to 2013 for London based rock-pop group, Night Engine. Not only have the likes of NME and The Guardian tipped the band for big things, but their idol, David Bowie is making music again.

Lead singer, Phil McDonnell is as excited as anyone about the return of such a pop icon. He tells Gigwise: "David Bowie is one of the most important artists of any form for the passed 100 years and certainly one of the most influential."

McDonnell also looks at Bowie's return as a good opportunity to increase Night Engine's fanbase as they have been likened to the pop legend on several occasions.

He continues: "He is the best really and you want to be influenced by the best."

"People have said these Bowie things and I think it's a compliment that somehow people think of one of the most important musicians who has ever lived when they hear us."

Night Engine are hotly tipped for a big 2013

Night Engine's brand of funky rock is something that has been missing from the the guitar band scene for quite some time. Their image harks back to the rolled-up shirt sleeves, new romantic style that was synonymous with an early Bowie.

Frontman, Mcdonnell believes the band have  a unique brand of pop music that is delivered with aggression and enthusiasm.

He says: "We describe it as brutal pop. There are hooks and we want people to enjoy it, but the delivery is very full on, aggressive and distorted.  Behind that there are pop songs."

Only forming in January 2012, the four-piece have been patiently rehearsing and waiting for their moment. Sure, they've only been going for 12 months, but there is a huge buzz around this band.

McDonnel admits that getting recognition from well respected people at such an early point in their career has come as a great surprise.

He explains: "You never really expect anything. There are so few rules to this business."

"It's lovely and really encouraging. It's given us an extra boost to know that there are people out there who get it."

"It is a surprise because you don't expect it to go well."

The band are now looking forward to a huge year with debut single ‘Seventeen’ / ‘Treat Me Like A Baby’ to be released on February 18. They will also play their fourth London show at the Borderline on Wednesday February 20.

McDonnell hopes that 2013 can also be the year Night Engine release their debut album.

When asked about plans for the rest of 2013, he says: "To record an album for release in the summer. Hopefully we will be announcing some support tours over the next couple of weeks as well. Getting on those festivals too. Just working as hard as possible for the next year really."

McDonnell did admit that David Bowie's recent return to the public eye has made the band more desperate than ever to play at Glastonbury amidst rumours of a Bowie headline slot. For now however, he's stuck with the rest of us trying to get tickets the old-fashioned way.

He sys: "I was trying for hours and hours to get my Glastonbury ticket, but we will have to make sure we are playing it so we get to see David Bowie. I'll be devastated if he plays Glastonbury and I'm not there."

"Everyone has been dying to see him and it's amazing that he is back."

Night Engine's debut single ‘Seventeen’ / ‘Treat Me Like A Baby’ is released on Monday, February 18 2013.