Single Review: Anorak Patch - Cousin Sam
What were you doing in your spare time between the ages of 15 and 18? Perhaps you were studiously cramming in revision for those all-important GSCEs or maybe you were going the other way - hanging round outside The Spar with your mates, trying to get someone to buy you a large bottle of cheap, rocket fuel cider. There's no guarantees that the teenage members of Anorak Patch aren't doing those things, they are however, also making some very promising music.
Early recordings found their way to the impeccibly nuanced ears of Nice Swan Records; they were suitably impressed with what they heard. With a roster as impressive as theirs (Sports Team, Silverbacks, Courting, English Teacher, FUR) it was akin to a fully-fledged seal of approval from those in the know. Almost immediately, praise was forthcoming from the music press. Last single 'Delilah' gained attention from the likes of DIY and So Young before The Sunday Times made them a Breaking Act, gushing with it's hyperbole:
One of the best singles of the year; its combination of urgency, dissonance, vocal phrasing, lyrical empathy and a formidable rythym section add up to something that's incredibly powerful and instantly addictive.
New single 'Cousin Sam' takes them away from the instant rush of 'Delilah' and by contrast, is a slower and darker proposition. The subject matter of the lyrics is about the funeral of a cousin and having to deal with the spectre of death at a young age. The vocals of Effie Lawrence are almost hushed in reverence at the build up to the sombre event:
Take a slow drive
The distorted guitar riff backing creates a vast wail of mournful atmospherics to accompany this glib deference. What is evident here is that the track will explode into a wall of noise as it advances; sure enough it materialises and the cadence of Lawrence's vocals shift accordingly. Strikingly, the ability on display here for such a young band is hugely impressive - The Orielles were the last band to break with that youthful exuberance, but the inherent musicality of a much older band. The rhythm section is as striking as The Sunday Times stated; often entwined with a stirring power. Take a listen below.
'Cousin Sam' will feature on Anorak Patch's debut E.P 'By Cousin Sam', which will also consist of previous singles 'Irate' and 'Blue Jeans' as well as 'Delilah' - due for release on 29th April.
The future looks bright for these teenagers from Colchester and it may be a little while until they're allowed to play most venues, but don't underestimate what they can already bring to the table.
Obviously buy from the Bandcamp link above if possible.
(if you got any money left after your fuel bill arrives that is..)
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