Summer Treats, Funky Beats and Misspelled Tweets: Introducing The Larkins

This week at The Stiff Upper Lip we have been rather evangelical about The Larkins, an absolute gem of a band with all the talent and likeability to make a break through. From humble beginnings at Hulme's Loretto College and birthed from jamming sessions between Josh Noble and Jamie Spencer, the group is now all grown up and taking on the local scene with, might we add, a generous dollop of panache. Named after the late Coventry born poet, Phillip Larkin, who once claimed: "how we live measures our nature" and It's clear The Larkins are living scrupulously for the moment and naturally they're all the better for it.

So lets get onto the material. The Tale of Cassandra, their latest release, is bang on the money. Quintessentially summer from start to finish (https://soundcloud.com/thelarkins/the-tale-of-cassandra ); what a cracking track to bounce around your bedroom to. The beauty of this tune comes by striking a healthy balance between lyrical substance and being radio worthy in the present day. With descriptive writing that paints the picture of a young girl "pirouetting "out of a young mans life, leaving him wanting more. A story that sadly most pizza faced, greasy haired young gents from the 0161, and afar, can appreciate. But life goes on!

And it certainly does go on, when you're talking about tracks like Hit and Run ( https://soundcloud.com/thelarkins/hit-and-run ). The Larkins show a contrast in offering here, with a heavier, brooding and industrial sound, you feel like you're getting ready to enter a battlefield. Top track.


The Larkins have been making some great headway in and around the North West and The SUL will continue to support them, because they've had us excited from the word go. So excited in fact that when we first tweeted them, we actually contacted an 18 year old producer with a similar name, from somewhere unknown,. As you can see, we were left rather red faced. That's what you get for being too keen Stiffy!



Anyhow,iIf you've listened to their tracks and you like their stuff, then I suggest you get off your behind and see it for your self, in the flesh! You can catch them on the 28th of August at Carsons Bar in Middleton, supported by soulful rockers The Country Rats and DJ Dave Sweetmore. It'll be a great night of festivities and The SUL of course will be there, if you can spot us. We'll be the ones in the corner wearing top hats and monocles assessing the wine list.

Peace x