The Raintree County

The Raintree County - Lay In The Tall Grass

Leed’s hottest prospects The Raintree County are back with their third single ‘Lay In The Tall Grass’. With some killer This Feeling shows under their belt, can they transfer this confidence to the studio?

The previous two efforts have seen their influences laid bare. Enjoyable as they are, it’s here their own identity begins to stand up next to their heroes. The scouse rock n roll of The Real People remains but, they have a more measured approach. The sophisticated backing vocals demonstrate a band considering their every move, the results, a far more soulful sound enhancing their working class sounds.

As the closing psyche guitars swirl, the excitement of what this band could become grow steadfast. They have opened the doors for so many possibilities. Eight minute Andy Bell (Ride) guitar parts or Lee Mavers three-minute pop dittys could all emerge from this.

Despite the onset of winter, the future is blossoming for The Raintree County.

Cleargreen – People

Manchester’s Cleargreen are back with their new single ‘People’ today. Already a force in their home city, they have been stealing the show on This Feeling stages on the festival circuit too.

Previous single ‘Gone’, whilst freeing, probably had too many hallmarks of the DMA’s to be their breakthrough moment. On ‘People’, they’ve taken a monumental leap to establish their identity.

It’s a conscientious examination of the public mindset in 2019, shining a light on the contradictions of humanity. By proxy, it highlights the echo chamber mentality of both left and right and how, but with heart and amiable sincerity at its core. How apt on the day that Putin labelled Liberalism “obsolete”.

The LA’s-esque riff is given The Verve pop majesty circa Urban Hymns sheen. Equally beefy and emotive, Haworth and Staley’s guitars combine the aforementioned style with a Teenage Fanclub sense of adventure. Rock ‘n’ roll escapism is back, and with a chorus of “Going away where there is no tomorrow / Go to the place where I don’t feel hollow” it’s here to stay.

The colossus that is Liam Gallagher is rolling back into town at present and, we look forward to it. However, we urge everyone to pay attention to the new class. Cleargreen, Gazelle, Stanleys, and The Raintree County have lit the touchpaper for a new rebellion.

Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:

The Raintree County – Feel Alive

In 1995, there was no need for Oasis to follow 1994’s ‘Definitely Maybe’ with more of the same. The world was ready for Noel Gallagher and Owen Morris to stretch their their sound to the edge of oblivion on ‘What’s The Story (Morning Glory)’. However, The Raintree County’s new single ‘Feel Alive’, has created an alternate reality where that Manchester via Liverpool sound was followed up on.

Full of escapism and hopeful swagger, the Leeds five piece have delivered a slice of the North West. With the charm of ‘Digsy’s Donner’ and the expansiveness of ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Columbia’, they have tapped into that Burnage groove to take the mind elsewhere.

This isn’t just a rehash of the past though. Nor is it just a tribute to Oasis. There are nuggets psyche reminiscent of Mick Head’s Shack and the drunkard triumphalism of Tribes fuelling this anthem for the present day.

Two singles in, The Raintree County are nailing down their own sound via the greats. Definitely ones to watch!

Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:

The Raintree County – Happy People

‘Happy People’ is the debut single from Leeds five piece The Raintree County. Having garnered attention from BBC Introducing West Yorkshire and the Y Not Festival, we decided to delve in.

Immediately, The Real People’s classics ‘Window Pane’ and ‘I Can’t Wait’ spring to mind. The choppy psyche guitars and front man Jimmy Sweeney’’s vocals have channelled their inner scouser to good effect.

It’s the distinction of their sound that is striking for a debut single. Ben Arnold’s beefy guitars funnel the vastness of Black Keys through the indie-psyche of The Real People and The LA’s. Bands are so often slow to realise less is more, they’ve already nailed that. A bright future beckons.

Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here: