Neal Zetter reviews the latest releases as Mr VP is “indisposed”
Band: Peggy Sue & The Pirates
Title: Television/The New Song
Label: Thesaurus
Download release: October 16
General release: Nov 5
Peggy Sue and The Pirates – Rosa Rex and Katy Klaw – are as fresh as the sea air from their Brighton base. Sure, generous traces of Regina Spektor, Nina Simone and, their bezzy mate, Kate Nash, go into the PS&P sausage machine but what comes out the other end is stunningly fresh and wryly humorous. This ..double A’ offering reveals the duo’s two sides: the choppy and finger poppy Television and the dreamily melodic ballad, The New Song. Both are laced with characteristically wacky vocal sound effects and beautiful harmonies as these girls’ voices interweave so well together they were obviously made to match. And if you catch them live – they are currently supporting Ms Nash’s UK tour – you’ll find this chemistry is equally evident in their warm natural banter with each other and their fans. I can’t stop playing and smiling at both of these terrific tracks but will the more commercial radio stations find a place for their radically different sound? I certainly hope so.
Band: Sons & Daughters
Title: Gilt Complex
Label: Domino
General release: Oct 29
I get really nervous when one of my new favourite bands release their latest single. But this track from the Glaswegian Sons & Daughters, from their forthcoming 3rd album, reveals the quartet at their riveting, rollicking, rocking best. Produced by former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, I dare anyone to not tap their feet to the tune’s driving rhythm, reminiscent of Dick Dale and the Del-Tones (of Pulp Fiction soundtrack fame) crossed with early Siouxsie and the Banshees. And if that’s not enough Adele Bethel’s cutting, spitting vocals will leave your ears ringing with a lethal and infectious pop sound that hopefully will begin to give S&D the credit they deserve. There’s a cover of Adamski’s Killer on the flip too – so this really is a winning package!