Now Ralph's more of a guitar band animal, however after having covered Liverpool's The Little Secrets and SeaWitches recently he's been showing his mellow side. So much so, he had a listen in to the low-fi electronic vibings of Chester duo Neutronic. They've just released Closer on download earlier this month and it's a delightfully melodic soundscape using the contrast of Luliana's slightly accented vocal backed by Paul's smooth English tones overlaid on Neutronic's cleverly worked 80's electro musicality in a Cocteau Twins stylee. Having previously worked together on a one-off electro pop project they've got together again to bring us Neutronic.
The duo have crafted an exceedingly assured sound which is proving popular with radio stations. Needless to say Ralph's giving Neutronic a spin on his Radio KC show. They've featured on Tom Robinson's BBC Radio 6 Mixtape and Dave Monks on BBC Radio Merseyside.
If you're looking for well crafted, melodic tunes in a Steely Dan sylee then you've come to the right place because Ralph's been listening to Red Sails from Liverpool and it's time you did too! Their tracks sound simple but are actually complex well written musical gems that soar, taking you on highs and lows with their lyrics and melodies.
Their track 'Looking Out To Sea' is a case in point of a track that's best played with the headphones on chilling out on a warm summers afternoon beer in hand. The good news is they've got more tracks (and a video) on the way. More good news is they're playing LEAF in Liverpool on the 13th September with the highly acclaimed This Morning Call (Ben Hayworth) and Lumin Bells and Ralph's putting his gig collar on and will be bringing you a review.
Up until now they've been almost hermit-like for a band with such quality music. However it looks like the tide is turning as, with increasing radio plays of their track 'Sure Enough', including Ralph's Indie Show on Radio KC and now by Dave Monks on BBC Introducing plus with the aforementioned new tracks and gig on the way Red Sails boat looks like it's about to come in!
The resurgence in the Liverpool Indie music scene seems to be bringing an almost constant stream of new bands with a strong songwriting and musical ability and The Varese's from the city's Old Swan area are certainly in that mould.
The Varese's are Jonny Andrew on Vocals, Danny Hayden on Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Paul Tallant on Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Adam Murray on Bass Guitar and Bob Gaul - Drums and Percussion. Currently sticking to the local music scene where they have a strong fanbase (they're No 2 on Reverbnation Indie Chart for Liverpool), however recent radio play should see them getting some attention from further afield.
They were voted No 1 unsigned band worldwide for 3 weeks on the Forkster Rocks Out Review which boasts over 300,000 hits weekly and were selected for the MTV short-list for best unsigned bands for 2013 and been picked to play on BBCIntroducing (where I first heard them on Dave Monksshow).
Gig updates: 21st February 2013 - Studio2, Parr Street, Liverpool 2nd March 2013 - The Roadhouse, Birmingham 21st April 2013 - Zanzibar, Liverpool (Supporting Slydigs)
'Strangers' seems to be an attempt at creating a 'Poptastic' track with jangly guitar and Morrisyesque vocals. It tinkles along nicely but doesn't quite stick in your head. 'Weary Dream' on the other hand is a moodier more rock orientated track making better use of Jonny's vocals and the twin guitar sound of Danny and Paul.
'Spotlight' is The Varese's strongest track, great melody, sincere lyrics with a strong vocal all tipping their collective hat to the bands influences (usual suspects of The Beatles, Oasis, Cast and not necessarily in that order) which is no bad thing as it's got radio hit written all over it.
Now Ralph's more of a guitar band animal, however after having covered Liverpool's The Little Secrets and SeaWitches recently he's been showing his mellow side. So much so, he had a listen in to the low-fi electronic vibings of Chester duo Neutronic.
