Scruff Of The Neck Presents ... - 20160711
- Written by Dave Beech
For your entertainment during another working week here's five more hand-picked delights from the Scruff Of The Neck stable.
Semantics – 'Ocean'
Kicking things off this week are Birmingham-based post-punks Semantics.Taken from the band's recent debut EP, 'Ocean' throbs with an understated menace typical of the genre; a rumbling bass and baritone vocal only adding to the track's ever-increasing sense of menace. Darkness never sounded so good.
Aurora Macabre – 'Anchor'
“It seems like everyone is more and more intent on skipping stones, but I'm making waves” croons Aurora Macabre vocalist Nick Hibbert on 'Anchor'. It's a telling lyric. Hailing from Sheffield the band are immersed in a scene that largely rests on its laurels, yet Aurora Macabre instead create a brand of hazy and wistful indie-pop that sets them apart from their contemporaries.
Cessna Deathwish – 'The Bends'
Arguably Brighton's answer to Death Cab For Cutie, Cessna Deathwish subscribe to a brand of transatlantic indie that's a far cry from the working-class colloquialism of the distinctly more British equivalent. 'The Bends' is both self-deprecating and simultaneously uplifting while bringing to mind the likes of Manchester Orchestra in its use of dynamics and melodic meandering. Exquisite.
We Came From Wolves – 'Cope'
It wouldn't be a Top 5 of late without the inclusion of a Scottish band, but Perth's We Came From Wolves are far from a token inclusion. 'Cope' is the title-track from the band's latest EP, and is nearly six minutes of anthemic alt-rock. Staggering in its ambition and surprisingly tender despite a tour de force delivery, 'Cope' is just one example of why We Came From Wolves are going places.
The Society – 'Begging'
Arguably the poppiest track featured this week, 'Begging' comes from Manchester four piece The Society. Tropi-pop guitars run riot while an almost club-like synth and bass drum provide a frenetic and upbeat melody. Though little else is available online currently, one track's all it needed for a buzz to mount.