Tomorrow's heavy hitters
Metaphorically and literally, mind.
It’s shaping up to be a heavy summer around these parts.
I’m hell-bent on revisiting any and every garage rock act that inspired this peculiar and snobby music taste of mine. So it only seems fair that I put some of that aloofness into highlighting some equally distorted – but much younger – acts in and around South Yorkshire.
Without further ado, here are a trio of tracks that might scratch that insatiable itch that can only be momentarily quelled by distorted drop-D guitars.
At The Arcade – Lighten My Load
This Rotherham-based lot have been grafting away over recent years: there’s rarely an establishment outside of the Dearne Valley that hasn’t hosted this lot – yet. The band’s hard work is paying off. Lighten My Load is a slice of classic rock – a searing guitar riff driving anthem that’s as bright as it is bold in its presentation.
It’s soaked in an infectious energy and sees frontman Brandon release some powerful vocals that put his ability to the test. It’s a warm, comforting embrace of a track – one that’s new and familiar all at once.
The Heavy Souls – Have You Got Soul
A gigantic sound that makes its intentions blindingly clear. Have You Got Soul is the opening track of the band’s debut album, and serves as a wonderful mission statement. By the end of its four-minute runtime, you know everything you need to know about The Heavy Souls.
So what can you expect? Some powerful vocal pipes, guitar riffs that are chiselled out of pure granite – yet remain intuitive and accessible for new ears – and a flavour of psychedelia to keep you wondering what might come next. It’s a groove that’s etched firmly in my frontal cortex. Listen at your own peril.
Ocean Thieves – Rope
It’s refreshing to see a band rising through the ranks in the real time. Having seen Ocean Thieves live recently, the band are crawled out of the opening spot and into that tantalising mid-billing role where they threaten to steal the show.
Supernova is a wonderful microcosm of the band itself: tight, clean guitar work, hefty drums and catchy choruses. The band seem to have an uncanny ability to eek applause out of even the most pedantic of crowds.