The Ocelot 122 - Oxford and Newbury edition | Page 30
Gig Monkey
Gig Monkey, AKA Ed Dyer, once again sifts through the best music released by local artists. If you like
the sound of something please do go and check it out Send your reviews to [email protected]
Yves – When The Day Comes (EP)
Yves are a band who are poised on the edge of something
great. This collection of tunes illustrates their position perfectly
– full of magnificent potential and oh so close to being perfect
pop songs.
They ooze confidence, style and plenty of urban-cool, flying
along at breakneck pace with all sorts of choppy guitar riffs
and some fantastic drumming, whilst the real heroes of the
scene are the melodies that are close to being extraordinary,
the sort you hum for days after hearing only once and are
impossible to shift from your head.
Once they hit that truly killer song, and I don’t doubt they
will as these are so close, this is a band that will be huge. www.
soundcloud.com/yvesband
Nick Byrne – Through The Tall Grass (EP)
Nick is an exciting new contemporary folk talent if the evidence of this
EP is to be believed. A collection of 5 delicate, well-structured and
whimsical yet determined songs, this is one of those records that makes
your ears prick almost straight away. The surprise and delight comes
from the careful and skilful layering of instruments and vocal harmonies,
giving this a lush, full sound, but one that somehow retains a sharply
melancholic atmosphere. These extra layers add a real depth that helps
the beautifully written songs carry you away with them. Add to this some
smartly observed lyrics and you end up with a record that is a real stand
out from the often over-simple singer-songwriter fare currently flooding
the market. nickbyrne.co.uk
Neverlnd – Neighbours (Single)
The latest of Neverlnd’s monthly releases is yet another departure
for this multi-faceted and talented bunch. A smooth pop record
full of 80’s vibes and influences, this has a bit of everything in
it. Chilled beats, sweeping melodies, layered harmonies, funky
grooves and sudden and surprising jagged staccato guitar
phrases. A strange but oddly wonderful offering. This is going
to be one hell of a collection of songs by the end of the year.
soundcloud.com/neverlndband
Socket – Socket (EP)
I can only assume these guys are a brand new band as up to the point they
submitted I had never come across them. But I am glad they did as this is a
superbly chirpy indie-pop record and one that is deserving of as many ears as
possible to drink it in. Proving that often the best bands are power trio, this record
alternates between the typical wall of noise sound, relentless and persuasive,
but then intersperses it with choppy, funked up stuff that rolls along. Highlight for
me is the fuzzed up, thrashy delight of second track Go Insane. It has to be said,
you’d be insane not to get into this. soundcloud.com/socketuk
30 www.theocelot.co.uk
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25/07/2016 21:37