Scruff of the Neck Presents ... - 20160404
- Published in Columns

For your entertainment at the start of another working week here's five more hand-picked delights from the Scruff Of The Neck stable.
Alleyways – 'Passed Out'
Kicking off this week with the rambunctious and oikish sounds of York's Alleyways. 'Passed Out' is an ode to the hedonistic miss-spent youth we all secretly pine for. Fluid, noodling guitar and a snottily delivered vocal subscribe to the same brand of irresistibly obnoxious indie as the likes of Rat Boy or Only Real. Great stuff.
Lyon Road – 'Moving'
Quite the opposite now from Wigan's Lyon Road. The band's most recent single, 'Moving' is built around frenetic guitar licks, rumbling bass grooves and effortless vocals. Though understated in itself, the track's production provides a sleek accessibility to the track that makes it perfect for radio plays.
Lyerr – 'Miss Bright Ideas'
The first and only band from Manchester on the list, Lyerr retain the city's quintessential swagger and sound whilst retaining an edge that's unmistakeably their own. 'Miss Bright Ideas' is as arrogant as it is uplifting. Delivered with cocky confidence and a wry smile, it's nostalgic indie rock with its eyes very much to the future.
Tiger Tribe – 'Cherry Bomb'
Combining the summery sounds of the jangle-pop era, with the woozy, swimmy aesthetic of contemporary indie, 'Cherry Bomb' is a love song for the slacker generation. A stoned vocal drawl mixes perfectly with the narcotic headiness of the guitars in such a way that would make Kurt Vile swoon. The perfect accompaniment to any summer session.
Cabezudos – 'She Waits'
Hailing from Liverpool, Cabezudos embody the city's trademark psych-fuelled indie-rock. 'She Waits' is the opening song and title-track from the band's most recent EP and features some excellent Coral-esque vocal harmonies as well as a dexterous solo at its conclusion. Ballsy and hook-laden, expect big things from the four-piece.