Pioneers - 'Counting the Days':
One of the labels' supporters is Guy Garvey of Elbow (who says of the label
what a fucking stupid idea - it might just work") and, in this track, it would
seem that Bury's finest seem to have had a profound effect on the Pioneers sound.
The vocal carries much of Garvey's resigned majesty with a heartfelt chorus of
"everything, everything you are" along with some chirpy "oh, ooh, oh, oh"s and
some fine minimalist drumming.
Slims - 'Powder Burn':
Slims are apparently from the 'depths of Manchester' and, indeed, make a sound
so dirty one suspects they lived next-door to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
It's grungy with a heavy driving riff which is accompanied by a vocal
reminiscent of Chris Cornell's Led Zep operatics. Mixed that in with some
more heavy riffage and some heavy drumming and you've got yourself a pretty
cool package.
Earl - 'Risky Disco'
This is the gem of the lot. It is a female-vocaled track which is described
as 'electro-dance with a rock edge' and carries a pulsating beat worthy of
Radio 4. It is also bursting with fantastic lyrics like "Instead of taking
a stance/ you go somewhere to dance". It is particularly thrilling to hear
such a bitter tirade executed in such a clean cut, almost robotic (this
impression most is most likely due to the beat) fashion. Also they're
a band that you can listen to without hundreds of tired comparisons
jumping into your head. I'll be keeping my eye on this one.
Parma Violets - 'Astronaut':
I have a theory by which any one person can only handle a certain amount
of singer/songwriter types before they merely bounce off your cold,
unfulfilled ears. For instance I can take artists such as the sublime
Ryan Adams and the equally fantastic Nick Drake completely to heart and
they can move me effortlessly. However, when an obviously capable artist
like Badly Drawn Boy comes along I brush his love songs aside, completely
cold and unmoved. It is a testament, therefore, to Parma Violets, who play
simplistic indie songs, that the music burrows deep into my chest and shouts
"take notice" - politely. Which I duly do with pleasure.
