Last week, Skep Wax Records (run by Amelia Fletcher & Rob Pursey) released their new compilation ‘Under The Bridge’. Essential listening for any Sarah Records fans, it’s made by all the bands which made the label iconic. Some are under new guises but the personal and therefore, the love, remains.
Images courtesy of Skep Wax Records.
This week we will be reviewing our favourite tracks. Today we focus on hazy pop pioneers The Orchids and their new track Don’t ‘Mean to Stare’.
Under The Bridge may be reuniting former label mates from the 80s and 90s but, it is very much about the future. None more so than for Scotland’s The Orchids as their ‘Don’t Mean to Stare’ is due to feature on their as yet untitled album released later this year.
Whilst the guitars begin with their iconic laissez-faire vibe from ‘A Kind of Eden’, the past remains firmly where it is. They venture towards the vibrant percussion on Ra Ra Riot and the vocal playfulness of Britt Daniel (Spoon) as the guitars spiral in and out of view.
The XX and hints of Afrobeat unite as the song lazily but joyously climaxes. It may have taken the band a while to make the upcoming album but, on this showing, it looks worth the wait.
The album is available to buy on Skep Wax’s Bandcamp page
You can catch most of the bands at their two all-day gigs this April. Click the image for tickets:
