RED RIVER HOG. 'Promise Not To Run'
Nothing gets the party started like a little punk-rock abandon!
Taken from their Hello My Name Is EP, which came out in November, Red River Hog’s Promise Not To Run is just under three minutes of raucous, lo-fi joy. The Exeter-based quartet may only have made their debut last year, but they have successfully managed to translate a live energy to the track, reminiscent of an old Sub Pop record. Recorded at Exeter’s Studio 8830, there’s a charm to its no-frills production that matches the direct vocal delivery and just-about-in-tune guitars that cut through the fuss and invite you to come and dance.
Peter Richard Adams leads the way from the moment you press play with a voice that sits on the borders of Robert Smith and Billy Bragg, retaining the latter’s lyrical depth over an undeniably catchy (almost pop) melody, while the buzzsaw guitars and rolling boom of the drums evoke hints of The White Stripes. There’s even a harmonica in amongst the fray, furthering the party feel, as if someone got up and grabbed whatever they could find to play along. For a sprint of a song, there’s a lot packed in, including a finger-snap breakdown and a wordless singalong ending that you can see crowds joining in with. An ideal live anthem.
Fintan May. 'If Only'
Opening with a John Mayer-style lick, Fintan May’s If Only confidently establishes itself within the first few seconds.
After a few years of performing as the axeman for other performers and attending open mic nights, the Exeter-based bluesman has taken that musical seasoning and delivered a striking debut that delivers on all elements. Crisp Fender tones and liquid basslines serve a flawless production that punctuates the laid-back rhythm, allowing the musicians to showcase their well-honed chops without disrupting the relaxed atmosphere. There is a musical sophistication here, with enough movement in the arrangement to keep the listener engaged throughout. It’s the sort of song that wouldn’t go amiss in a New York Blues Club.
If Only is the lead single from May’s Kickstarter-funded EP, which is set for release this year. If this track is anything to go by, it has the potential to be a highlight of the year’s musical releases, so be sure to follow his social media and website for further details.
Essy Sparrow. 'Artists Dreamers'
Heading further south, Cornwall’s “scrappy little songwriter” Essy Sparrow delivers a dreamy single from last year’s well received Still Upset About It Actually EP.
Musically, the song is a rich and upbeat affair, embracing a direct folkiness with just the right amount of pop influence, juxtaposing the bittersweet lyrical content. The instrumentation uses simple tools to great effect, with an earthy acoustic guitar and light drums adding a homespun character that grounds the swirling pad and light-as-air backing vocals, creating a wide musical landscape that works perfectly with the melody.
Clocking in at just two minutes, there’s an immediacy to the songwriting that chooses to let the story and the music take up all the time it needs, creating a sharp and satisfying song.
Kello. 'Lilac Girl '
Earnestness bleeds through the speakers from the opening moment of Lilac Girl, the lead track from singer-songwriter Kello’s latest release, Calypso EP.
A simple guitar line is soon joined by bell-clear piano and sparse drums before the introduction of Kello’s striking voice. Your ear is immediately drawn to the lyrics, encapsulating a very particular time of youth that everyone can relate to and delivered by someone that you can’t help but believe feels every word. When the chorus arrives, the voices soar into an out-of-nowhere harmony that suddenly takes us from a small room to a wide open plain and the second-half transition into double time feels like a smile-inducing catharsis that calls the listener to get up and dance.
Whether performing solo or with their band, Kello Collective, they have been establishing a name for themselves playing live across their native Cornwall and all that footwork is reflected in the tight musicianship, assured vocal delivery and honest lyrics of this track.
Buried in Bermuda. 'Break the System'
Capping things off with a bang, Bristol’s Buried in Bermuda kick down the doors and make their presence known with Break the System, an anthemic headbanger with hard-hitting guitar riffs, melodic choruses and drums so tight you could spring a penny off of them.
The band has spent the past five years establishing themselves as a leading alt-rock act in the grassroots scene, touring extensively across the country and being shortlisted for awards. Given this touring discipline, it’s easy to see how this anthemic new single would have been perfected in front of captivated crowds eager to jump into the pit.
The key to why Break the System works is the level of control displayed. The guitars are high gain but expertly polished, the arrangement is lean but still enough to give every band member their moment and the song even boasts two lyrical hooks, one to go along with the heavy groove of the verses and one in the chorus, perfect for audiences to join in.
