Gigslutz Tracks Of The Week 08.11.13

Following the release of live EP ‘Who Says There’s No Beach In Doncaster?’ in September, The Darlingtons are back with their new single, ‘Don’t Give Me Hope’. Whilst this track retains all of the youthful energy and vigour that we have come to expect from these Somerset lads, the band have matured. ‘Don’t Give Me Hope’ is a heartfelt and endearingly emotive ballad that showcases Kiran Roy’s Springsteen-esque penetrating, husky vocals. Filled with the characteristic rushing of layered guitars and climatic melodies alongside somewhat profound and contemplative lyrics – “When I see through the illusion that blinds me, I’ll walk away” – The Darlingtons’ new material appears to bear witness to their softer side whilst maintaining an adrenaline-fuelled edge. A winning combination.

‘Don’t Give Me Hope’, along with B-side ‘Contagious, Courageous’, is released on 25th November, via the band’s own label ‘darlingtonsmusic’.

A step away from the ethereal, other worldly beauty of past material, Portland singer-songwriter Laura Veirs’ new song – ‘America’- is rather dark and somewhat chilling. Accompanied by a poignantly provocative video (that has been met with a huge amount of criticism, and regarded as ignorantly stereotypical, by many Americans…) ‘America’ is an explicit condemnation of gun culture in the U.S, presenting us with the heavy irony that it can often be the freedom we enjoy that is the very thing that kills us.

Despite its chilling content and deep-seated political message, however, I think that ‘America’ remains as charming and as easy to listen to as Veirs’ creations always are; filled with beautifully spine-tingling vocals and catchy melodies. And good on her for stepping outside the box and using this pretty voice to make a point, and take a stand for what she believes in.

‘America’ is the second offering from Veirs’ new (ninth) album – ‘Warp and Weft’ – recorded while she was pregnant with her second child, and featuring guest appearances from the likes of K.D Lang, Jim James and Neko Case. Veirs describes the record as: “an exploration of extremes – deep, dark suffering and intense, compassionate love”.

And, for any fellow Londonders, you can witness the ethereal beauty of Laura Veirs first hand in the historic and charming setting of Islington Assembly Hall. I’ll be there next Thursday, 21st November, and I highly recommend you join me. With support from Led To Sea, it promises to be a wonderful evening

I was pretty excited to hear that Band Of Skulls are releasing a new album in Spring next year, and this excitement was quenched further upon hearing the first single to be released from it – ‘Asleep At The Wheel’. In true Band Of Skulls style, their latest offering is as foot-stomping, fist-pumping and spine tingling as ever and certainly will not cause you to fall asleep anytime, let alone whilst driving. Laden with propelled riffs, vigorous adrenaline and intense, theatrical harmonies, ‘Asleep At The Wheel’ is a ferocious rock-anthem that will leave The Black Keys shaking in their boots…

Produced by Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds), ‘Himalayan’ will be released in Spring next year, whilst ‘Asleep At The Wheel’ will be available from 5th January.

However if, like me, you can’t wait that long, you can catch Band Of Skulls supporting Queens Of The Stone Age at Wembley Arena on 23rd November. Did I mention I was excited…?

A take on the traditional folk song, ‘Master Kilby’, acclaimed guitarist John Smith’s new track is a charming slice of folk that warms the cockles and takes one back to the hay-bales and cider-jars of summer festivals during these wet and windy times.

Despite the generic name, John Smith is anything but ordinary – with his beautifully smooth vocals, he tells emotive tales of romance and nostalgia with a clarity and sensitivity that will compel and captivate. Whilst reminiscent of crooners such as Ray LaMontagne and Bon Iver, Smith’s talent remains uniquely mesmerising and exceptionally lovely.

Signed to the same management as fellow folky troubadours Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan, Smith released his debut album ‘Great Lakes’ earlier this year, has toured with the likes of Iron and Wine and Richard Hawley, and is about to play his largest London show to date at The Union Chapel on 14th November.

john-smith

@marimindles

Mari Lane

Mari Lane

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