New Track: The New Southern Electrikk

Despite its lyrics and melody being written by a heartbroken Rikki Turner fourteen years ago, this new track, ‘Brown Eyes’, from The New Southern Electrikk is finally being announced as part of their Brown Eyes EP, which was released Valentine’s Day.

I’d usually say it’s tricky to get something so flawlessly spot on, but The New Southern Electrikk manage it with seeming ease. ‘Brown Eyes’ is a patchwork of perfection; it takes influence from psychedelia, kraut-rock and post-punk in order to create one of the best tracks out this year. Monica Ward’s vocals provide undeniable nods to ’60s girl groups, as well as a sexy undertone to the shimmering guitars and gritty basslines. Whilst Ward brings this influence, the music itself isn’t dissimilar to The La’s and The Pixies. The track, while musically somewhat uplifting, has a definite edge to it. Of course, with the history behind the track, there’s an obvious pain in the lyrics, which further translates itself into the performance of the entire band, and the vocals in particular.

Turner recalls hearing The Shirelles’ ‘Baby It’s You’ playing in the background as a woman left him, spurring him to write ‘Brown Eyes’; so, despite the heartbreak, we can only thank that woman. As Turner himself puts it: “To think something so beautiful can emerge from a level of pain is extraordinary… but the pain had to be experienced for the song to exist.”

Brown Eyes is out now on Louder Than War Records.

Melissa Svensen
@MelYeaahh