The Galahads

Manchester’s The Galahads quietly went about their business in 2020. Putting out a series of singles, each better than the last.

Once you have the vaccine, we order you to thank the NHS, call your family then run in to the street and decree ‘The Galahads are coming!’.

Here’s why:

Turns To Hate

The band’s fourth single was released just before Christmas. The lazy haze of Kurt Vile is given a robust workout alongside some lo-fi soul vocals from Oliver Flynn.

The dose of distortion just niggles at the dreamy guitars creating a powerful tension. The threat of eruption is never far away from this

volatile psychedelic gem that wouldn’t be out of place on the Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965–1968

Sunday Bop

The ambition of Pink Floyd is taken on a trip through the dreamscapes of Real Estate, Ride, and The Byrds on what is, quite frankly, a modern classic. It spirals through space bringing peace amongst the galaxy with its effortlessly cool and enriching psychedelia.

Get your best Laurel Canyon outfits ready as, post lockdown, a great trip lay ahead!

Dexy

South London’s Dexy has digitally released his latest single ‘Drop Your Hand’. Produced by Adrian Hall, it features contributions from Lecero’s Rick Steff and Fightmilk’s Lily Rae.

Ever so slightly withdrawn but still bristling with spritely pop-cum-psyche, it evokes memories of Elliott Smith’s ‘Angeles’ and ‘Somebody I Used Know’.

Tales of letting the past go often entail vitriol and angst. Dexy changes tact and, exquisitely dives into the minutiae of the journey. Detailing the clichés friends serve up as support ‘And everybody sings the same old songs’ will raise a wry smile. Dexy goes on to unveil the torment via his struggle to not be tainted:

“Getting older takes no effort at all,

But getting kinder?”

It is though, sonically where his storytelling excels itself. In particular, the moment he frees himself from the pain. Spiralling the vocals into the ether releases all the tension expertly. The ‘la la la’s’ fade the pain away to a carefree state of mind.

Dexy’s new album is due out early in 2021.

Bitch Hunt

London based four-piece Bitch Hunt recently signed to Reckless Yes (Fightmilk, Captain Handsome, Mark Morris). They identify as a queer/trans alt-rock band. Let’s check out what they have been up to:

Their debut EP is available on Bandcamp.

Spaceman

Punk has been in the ascendancy within rock music for some time now so, to suggest it needs a reset may seem odd. It does! Too many bands are idling by talking over their music, few are landing any real blows.

On ‘Spaceman’, Bitch Hunt have renewed punk’s vigour with their stripped-back garage-punk style. Dirty lo-fi riffs demand your attention before The Strokes-esque solo makes you beg for it!

(The Verve like video is simply hilarious!)

Armadillo

With the joy of The Buzzcocks and the charm of Jilted John, this track will awaken many teenagers to the embrace of punk.

It’s a John Hughes movie for the 21st century accompanied by the sound of best friends finding a musical release. The guitars are sharp, life-affirming bullets of love that provide angst and anxiety a place to escape to.

A. Smyth

Dublin’s A. Smyth is set to return with his second album, ‘Last Animals’ on 19th February. Already a budding talent in Ireland, Smyth is set to breakthrough in the UK this year.

With that in mind, let’s check out a couple of his tracks:

 Hero

An angelic dream where Elliot Smith gives a modern take on Van Morrison’s peak. The vocals are featherlight whilst the guitars pack an enriching hug.

A divine guitar solo sets Smyth out in his own right. The aching shimmer floods the senses with Neil Young’s warming distortion.

River

Ryan Adams’ ‘Desire’ is given an injection of Nick Drake’s innocence on this lullaby. Delicate and sweet, Smyth questions life choices with the spirit of the Romantics in his heart.

 *Image Courtesy of Mark Duggan