Tracks Of The Week, 24.11.14

New Londoner on the scene, Jack Garratt, is here to sweep you off your feet. Although compared to the likes of James Blake and Damien Rice, it is clear upon first listen that Garratt is incomparable: oozing a completely unique sound. New single, ‘The Love Given’ has been receiving plenty of praise, namely being Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record In The World’ – and I can see (hear) why. Garratt’s operatic falsetto soars over chiming chords and electro pop beats, finally building to a bass-heavy climax, leaving you breathless and in awe of his skilled musical fusion.

Jack Garratt’s debut EP, Remnants, is out now.

 

 

An eclectic collection of musicians, Dracula Legs hail from Canada, Wales, The Black Country and Essex, and – in case you were wondering – are not a group of vampire limbs. They are, however, pretty great.

Having received acclaim from Steve Lamacq on his 6music show, the Legs’ latest song, ‘Sand To The Beach’, fuses together deep, Nick Cave-esque vocals and a scuzzy, punk-inspired vibe. As riotous riffs meet calm and collected melodies, this dark, rip-roaring offering really is something to sink your teeth into… (pun intended).

 

 

Having previously been in a band with Cara Delevingne, opened for Laura Marling and guest-starred on a track by Sivu, Marika Hackman is already a pretty established name in the world of contemporary folk, despite a debut album not being released until next month.

A wonderfully delicate and ethereal offering, ‘Drown’ (the first taster from her forthcoming album), shows us just what Hackman is capable of. Sweeping choral melodies flow alongside contemporary, darker tones and overwhelming, potent vocals. As the subtle power of Hackman’s voice wraps itself around you, raging through your veins and into your heart, vulnerable melodies intertwine with formidable, throbbing beats to create something truly magical.

If you haven’t yet come across Marika Hackman, I advise you change the situation immediately. ‘Drown’ is out 8th December with Hackman’s debut album – We Slept At Last – to follow next February.

 

 

Sweden based trio, Honeymilk, deliver brit-pop inspired indie rock at its most exciting. The band’s second single ‘A Scene In Between’ is filled with classic indie elements of the likes of Cast or Pavement, with an added psych-rock flavour. As resounding reverb sweeps across the crunching guitars, pummelling beats and Julian Casablanca-esque vocals, here’s a track that offers the perfect balance between raucous rock and catchy melodies.

‘A Scene In Between’ is out now.

 

 

Despite only being 17, Brixton lads Shame have already been making a name for themselves across London, performing with local legends Fat White Family, as well as supporting Warmdusher (a side project of FWF).

Shame’s debut single, ‘Furry Freaks (Sunrise)’ is a funk-fused offering, complete with stomping bass lines, groovy riffs and the fantastically raw vocals of Charlie Steen. As funky beats meet grunge-inspired hooks and an angst-laden, punk-infused power, we are left in no doubt that the sound of Shame will be making its way out of London and into the ears of listeners far and wide in the very near future.

 

 

If you like Mogwai, or just the sound of sparkly alt-pop in general, I suggest you check out Les Bonbons. Their latest single, ‘Dans La Lumiere’, oozes shimmering melodies, cascading harmonies and cinematic instrumentation capable of transporting you to another world of utter tranquility (and lots of glitter). As flawless, crystal-clear vocals flow smoothly alongside grandesque compositions of strings and brass, this alluring creation will certainly have you heading straight ‘into the light’.

Les Bonbons’ eponymous new album is out now, and you can catch these intriguing troubadours live:

December 12th – The Monarch, London

 

 

 

Mari Lane

@marimindles

 

Mari Lane

Mari Lane

Editor, London. Likes: Kathleen Hanna, 6Music, live music in the sunshine. Dislikes: Sexism, pineapples, the misuse of apostrophes.