Once in a while some new music comes along that transports you back to when you first heard a new release by a band that later becomes a true classic. Such was the occurrence on first listening to the upcoming EP release by burgeoning Scottish Alt-Popsters Acrylic. Listening to their All I AM EP transported me back to first listens to the likes of The Blue Nile and their near incomparable release Stay. The unique vocalisings of Edwyn Collins on Rip It Up with Orange Juice or the perfect pop-song and lush vocal that is First Picture Of You by Peter Coyle and The Lotus Eaters.
Lyrically, a current of anxiety runs through the Acrylic EP with opening track, Where I Lie, exploring fragile connections, the see-saw between feelings of uncertainty in relationships, and moments of clarity and assurance. It invites us in tentatively before growing into a tender, yet potent, howl. In Here / Tonight is perhaps the most straightforward rock track on the album, but it is not without its novel features. The sweet percussion is irregular and off-kilter at times, dragging us back from the apparently simpler moments and from a false sense of security.
The track is juxtaposed with the sensitive and sweet Overrunwhich takes full advantage of the math-rock guitar tendencies purveyed by Acrylic; the primary riff draws in the listener with its mesmerising qualities. The eponymous final track closes the EP. A 7-minute epic that traces through all the ideas of the previous three tracks, tying them into a finale of solemn; yet epic, proportions. Seek it out on Scottish Fiction Records. It's no surprise that Brian will be featuring tracks from the AcrylicEP on the Radio KC Indie Show and that kicks off April 8th with a spin of In Here / Tonight, so remember to tune in from 5-7pm.
Ralph's played tracks by Affairs regularly on his Radio KC Indie Show since hearing their single Cressida nearly two years ago. Now they're releasing a new single Blood Science on Monday 15th March so it's time to renew acquaintances. From scattered English Counties, the band members of Affairs met at Hull University, drawn together by their mutual appreciation of 80’s music, art, slick hair, tight jeans and loose hips.
Manchester based Affairs style themselves a sharply-dressed quintet but they're far from style over substance and have earned a widening reputation for their ethereal and theatrical live performances, considered lyrics and synth-based electro-pop rock.
Their music contains elements that are both uniquely modern and nostalgic, as laptop-made samples and loops combine seamlessly with vintage Rickenbacker guitars and expressive, baritone vocals.
Based in Liverpool, Jo Herring and Laura Caldwell met in 2007 through friends; a meeting that resulted in an explosion of creativity where songwriting, musicianship and visual art collided to create SeaWitches.
The band gig regularly in Liverpool, where they've played Sound City, Music Week and interestingly, the Green Party Conference as well as hosting their own nights supporting other well known bands like Eagulls and Giant Drag.
2012 saw Tilo Pirnbaum joining the band on drums, and SeaWitches entered the studio to record their first EP Spacegun, which received positive reviews and helped secure a loyal and diverse fanbase. They also began to play outside Liverpool, securing gigs in Manchester and London.
Jamie Jenkin was recruited on guitar in 2014 and, seven years in the making, the line up is complete and the band are ready to take their music to a wider audience. Prolific songwriters, they work collaboratively with each member bringing a diverse set of influences.
Hailed as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Liverpool's music scene is recent years, SeaWitches are the latest signing for Edge Hill University's The Label Recordings run by Carl Hunter of The Farm and assisted by media students. An experiment that has led to huge success for previous signing Hooton Tennis Club, who are now with Indie label Heavenly Recordings and who they'll be supporting in The Shipping Forecast on the 20th of February.
They're releasing 'Stars' as a single on February 16th and it's 'poppier' than some of their previous, slightly moody work and it's been played recently on Ralph's Radio KC Indie Show. It's Siouxsie Sioux meets The Lotus Eaterswith a smattering of The Cure. All that's good from 80's pop brought bang up to date, and they've made a shiny new psychadelic video to accompany it. It's this week's 'shuffle & repeat' track here in the kennel.
