Yorkshire disco-spangled synthpop
Who they?
The assorted members of this Leeds seven-piece have variously been kicking around together – sharing bands, mixing each others records and promoting shows – for a while. This is the first time they’ve made music together (save for a one-off New Year’s Eve show in a covers band, that story for another time), and oh, what music.
Why Holodrum?
You know their self-titled debut mini-album will be on heavy rotation from the moment you hear the squiggly synth and handclaps intro of opener ‘Lemon Chic’. They draw on New York no wave, checking Tom Tom Club and Liquid Liquid among their go-tos. ‘Free Advice’, with the sweet pipes of vocalist Emily Garner taking centre stage, has the euphoric feelgood vibe of The Go! Team, with sleek production licks to match – when the drums on ‘Stage Echo’ kick in, they’ll take your head clean off. The idea was for Holodrum to be a live electronic ensemble. You can feel the joy pouring off the record. They played a couple of live dates earlier this month, with more to come. Best not missed, we’d say.
Tell us more…
The line-up is something of a who’s who. It revolves around guitarist/vocalist Sam Shjipstone (currently enjoying the limelight as a member of Yard Act) along with his former Hookworms bandmates Jonathan Nash (drums), Jonathan Wilkinson (guitar) and Matthew Benn (production, bass, synth). Benn is XAM Duo with Christopher Duffin (sax/synth), who has also played live with James Holden & The Animal Spirits. Percussionist Steve Nuttall played with Nope and vocalist Emily Garner is one half of VIDEO. Leeds is piping hot right now. Get on this lot while you can.
‘Holodrum’ is released by Gringo
