Tracks Of The Week 03.02.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter, Will Varley, has released a cunningly intriguing video for his latest single ‘Weddings and Wars’. Apposed with the traditionally folky sound that Varley exudes, he has created a darkly humorous, retro, computer-game style music video.

Whilst the song oozes beautiful harmonies, catchily pretty melodies and Varley’s husky vocals, the same retro resolution and colour palette of the classic NES and SNES consoles fills the screen; a feat that Varley spent weeks programming and animating himself. Wittily profound lyrics about the sorry state of the world today (“Instead of talking, now we wear headphones…”) fit perfectly alongside an abundance of flowing fiddles and a foot-tappingly, uptempo beat.

‘Weddings and Wars’ thus seems a feat of contrasts in every way: the juxtaposition of traditionally pastoral music with the techy game-scape of the video, and the stark contrast of the running theme of apathy and cynicism with the pretty melodies of this folk ditty. A wonderfully wry, modern take on the traditional folk theme.

Weddings And Wars is out now, the first single from Varley’s recently released album – ‘As The Crow Flies’ (Smugglers Records).

Manchester quartet, Pins, are about to head to the States for the first time to play SXSW but, before that, the final single to be taken from their debut album is to hit our earwaves like a refreshing blast of fresh air. ‘Waiting For The End’ exudes vibrancy, a Post Punk buzz and is filled with upbeat, catchy lyrics that are impossible not to sing along to (helped by the fact that they are on screen in the karaoke-themed vid…)

Shot at the newly renovated, historic Manchester pub – Gullivers – Waiting For The End sees Faith, Lois, Anna and Sophie dancing together on stage, along with several luminaries of the Manchester music scene. A perfect picture of the unity of friendship and an ability not to take life too seriously, although written as a break-up song, Waiting For The End is a truly upbeat offering, filled with a reassuring sense of redemption and the joy of new beginnings.

As these gorgeous girls deliver their raucous, retro rock, with hints of Elastica and all the delivery of Siouxsie, all I can think is how much I would like to be dancing on stage with them. A perfect balance of musical skill with a whole lot of fun, you certainly won’t be ‘waiting for the end’ upon hearing this song; in fact, it will leave you wanting more of its infectious joy and exuberant absolution.

Pins’ debut album, ‘Girls Like Us’ is out in the U.S on 4th March.

It would seem that a reunion with Liam back in October was not the only exciting project in the pipeline for former Oasis multi-instrumentalist, Bonehead. As well as last year’s Parlour Flames’ release, Arthurs has now teamed up with Alex Lipinski to conceive ‘Phoneys And The Freaks’. Latest creation,‘Set The Night On Fire. Monitor Mix’, is a melodic composition, with all the brit-poppy riffs of an Oasis song whilst radiating an endearingly mellow intimacy. Filled with delicate harmonies, blasts of brass, uptempo indie-rock beats and a hint of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Bonehead seems to have succeeded in creating a classic indie-rock ballad.

Irish rockers The Mighty Stef have been lucky enough to team up with Alain Johannes on their latest album, and you can certainly hear the American’s influence on the first single to be released from these sessions – ‘Waiting For The Night-watchman Of The Iveagh Flats’. With thrashing riffs, eerily hypnotic vocals and plenty of climatic build up, you can certainly hear traces of the likes of Mark Lanegan or his ex bandmates, QOTSA, on this track (a compliment of the highest order).

However, whilst their influences are evident, The Mighty Stef have managed to create something wonderfully unique: Desert Rock from Ireland. Whilst oozing that recognisable riff-orientated, heavy rock, ‘Waiting For The Night-watchman…’ comes complete with an unmistakably Irish/British edge; a rather Mersey Beat vibe and the explicitly pragmatic subject matter concerning a Dublin centre for homeless men. Bit of a contrast to California…

All things considered, I’m pretty excited about The Mighty Stef; admirable Irish conviction, trouncing riffs, captivating vocals, sobering subject matter, and all with a hint of Homme. The perfect combination.

‘Waiting For The Night-Watchmen Of The Iveagh Flats’ is out on 14th February.