Tracks Of The Week, 22.09.14

The latest offering to come from North West garage-rockers, Spring King, is the first track to come from the band’s forthcoming debut demo tape. With shades of uptempo ‘70s punk, ‘Better Man’ is filled with fierce, fast-paced vocals and reverb soaked catchy riffs.

Bouncy beats a plenty with an addictive, fist-clenching refrain, ‘Better Man’ is a vigorous blast of energy that’ll sweep away those Autumn cobwebs with gusto.

Spring King’s EP, ‘Demons’, is out now.

 

If it’s some good, old fashioned, heart-warming folk you’re after then look no further: Julie Byrne is here to soothe your aching bones. ‘Melting Grid’ will indeed melt away any worries you may have with Byrne’s husky, captivating vocals that are as smooth as warm caramel.

Although Julie Byrne has been creating sweet music for some time now, I only heard her for the first time on Radcliffe and Maconie’s 6Music show last week, and it was like taking a step back in time: not only is her social media presence almost non-existent, but her exquisite, natural tones are completely unpretentious. ‘Melting Grid’ is just pure, unadulterated beauty; with no gimmicky extras or unnecessary synth-filled drones, it’s a simply charming – and unavoidably alluring – folk song.

‘Melting Grid’ is taken from Julia Byrne’s self-titled debut LP that was released earlier this year.

 

Joining the current influx of Brighton success stories come Tied To The Mast. Having recently supported Grant Hart from Husker Du, and played the Festival Republic tent at Reading, it seems that the band have quickly built up their own loyal fan base.

A wonderful fusion between grunge-infused rock and the dark wit of a lot of ‘90s britpop, latest single ‘Melissa’ oozes impassioned Brian Molko-esque vocals, complex layers of dynamic riffage and an inspired vigour: everything a contemporary indie-rock anthem needs.

Taken from their new album, Some Strange Chemistry, ‘Melissa’ is out 20th October on Brighton label, Professor Records. Following the release will be a special single launch gig at The Finsbury on 24th October – a must attend for all North Londoners.

 

Boston indie rockers, Krill, are to be the first release from new London-based label, Steak Club. Taken from the debut album that was originally self-released in 2013, ‘Peanut Butter’ will hit you like a breath of fresh air. As punk-inspired bass lines and retro riffs resonate, the nasal drawl of Jonah Furman delivers a droll yet uptempo narrative reminiscent of what Black Francis is famous for.

Lucky Leaves, the debut album from Krill, is out 17th November via Steak Club/Blood and Biscuits. And, recorded live in just ten hours, it promises to be worth a listen. Watch this space for UK tour dates coming our way early next year.

 

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.