I obviously haven’t been paying enough attention to certain parts of the UK music scene as these two bands had passed me by, with certain parts of the BBC taking notice. I am, however, hoping to rectify the situation right here, right now.
First a little bit about the label SONS ltd out of Stoke-on-Trent. SONS stands for Soul of North Staffs and they are a pretty small UK indie label with only a handful of artsts on their roster. But quite a collection that is, with The Novellos and Raphael being my two favourites.
The Novellos [buy] remind me of Razolright in their early days with all that chaotic energy crossed with the occasional trumbone being used to great effect reminiscent of the Rumble Strips. This is indie rock at its best and catchy as fuck. The ballad “Song for someone” further demonstrates their song writing skills which shines through even with such a simple structure and melody and beautifully rough production.
The Novellos – This Lady is not for Turning
The Novellos – Song for Someone
Out of the same stables comes Raphaels [buy] who manage to sound even mor rough and ready than their label mates, not that such a thing could be a problem. Their strumming and strutting rock/pop sensibilities a shown perfectly in the b-side “Lady” which could have come from the Libertines back when they were good.
Raphaels – Charming Man
Raphaels – Lady
Two bands and one label to keep and eye on in 2009.