Often folk bands run the risk of sounding a little simple, but Bristol three-piece Foreign Affairs escape this pitfall through using just about as many words-a-line as they can get away with in their latest release ‘Sell My Soul (I Tried)’. Think a folky, less cynical version, of early Arctic Monkeys or The Jam, who both also had a penchant for songs with lots of words. Compromising of brothers Adam and Lawrence Purnell, along with bassist Ben Sweeney, Foreign Affairs are set to release their debut album I within the foreseeable future. In the run up to this date, the band have been releasing a series of EPs, the most recent of which features ‘Sell My Soul (I Tried)’.

By moving away from the banjo, and relying instead on bass and electric guitars, Foreign Affairs distance themselves from that Mumford & Sons take on folk-rock with this track. A wise move, as the last thing this country needs is another Mumford tribute band. By putting a fresh spin on the genre, the trio manage to produce a track that sounds distinctly 21^st century, while still maintaining all the traditional elements that make it undeniably folk. The trio haven’t been light with melody either and, from the chorus to the bridge, the song is packed with hooks.

With a string of festival dates set for the summer, it seems likely that you’ll spot their name on a festival bill near you. With their infectious songs, and an innovative take on an established genre, be sure to give them a listen.

Foreign Affairs’ first EP release of 2015 is due in June. Find out more about the band here.

Tara Hodgson
 @tarahodgson