Tracks Of The Week, 05.01.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

Admittedly, I’m a bit late to the La Shark party. They’ve been around since 2006 (Ok, very late…), but – with their debut album out at the end of this month – I have luckily, finally, come across these eccentric fellow South Londoners.

With perhaps their most catchy number, ‘Magazine Cover’, Samuel ‘Geronimo’ Deschamps exudes his ‘80s inspired nasal drawl, somewhat reminiscent of the likes of The Talking Heads, as crazy plinky-plonky melodies flow alongside staccato beats and zaps of electronica. It’s something utterly unique, impossibly addictive and – most importantly – hugely enjoyable. Put simply, it’s a blast of funky glam wackiness.

So, get yourselves down to 6 Crucifix Lane on the 31st of the month to capture the craziness in all its glory at La Shark’s long awaited album launch.

After treating us to the timeless beauty of his debut album, Vagrant, back in 2011, Mike Nisbet is back to grace our ears with his soulful, blues-infused folk. ‘What Will Be Will Be’ is taken from new EP, The Ballad of Body And Soul, and comes complete with its own hand-crafted video.

Strewn with emotion, Nisbet’s smooth Scottish drawl exudes a magnetising and delicate beauty as he tells a spellbinding tale of love and loss. As the endearingly simple yet artistically crafted video accompanies the earnest story with its fragile homemade hand-puppets, it’s impossible not be drawn into Nisbet’s subtle emotive power and warm, captivating aura.

‘What Will Be Will Be’ is perfect slice of folk, fused with a unique raw edge, that will sweep you away from the mundane January blues into its own magical world.

The Ballad Of Body And Soul is out 12th January and available to preorder from Bandcamp. And you can catch Mike live in the coming months, as part of his artPACKT tour alongside Rosie Bans and Anna Macdonald. More details to follow…

Following the release of their debut album, Rips, in October last year, I recently heard Ex Hex and immediately fell in love. Lead by Wild Flag’s Mary Timony, here are a band not to be missed.

Oozing a post punk vibe with its raw, crunching guitars and reverb-soaked riffs, ‘Everywhere’ proves just what this trio are capable of. With all the coolness of Chrissie Hynde, Ex Hex deliver angst-driven, punk-infused rock juxtaposed with sweet harmonies and undeniably catchy melodies. With all the gritty attitude you could ask for, Ex Hex are a must have for all ears in 2015.

Rips is out now.

Formed in early 2012, NÖME have been receiving acclaim of late from blogs and radio stations alike, as well as impressing crowds with a host of live dates.

Taken from NÖME’s debut EP, Eagle, ‘Nineties Child’ does indeed sound like it’s born straight out of a Sleeper-esque nineties classic. Alongside Rachel Still’s deep, sultry vocals, screeching riffs and sweeping hooks blast from the speakers with an intense, anthemic quality. Complete with an incredibly catchy chorus, here is a track that will plant itself in your head and not remove itself any time soon.