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 Ocelot 122 Ox.indd 30 25/07/2016 21:37