Ladybarn: Intruder
(Self-released)
Out now
The debut EP from Manchester’s gothic post-punks Ladybarn deftly melds King Krule-esque art-rock, melodic jazz, and Bauhaus atmospherics. On the floor, this description could appear overpowering, however the actuality balances the triumvirate of genres with perfection.
Forming within the suburbs of Ladybarn, these Manchester-based jazz rockers already seem fully-formed, adventurous but accessibly speedy of their avant-garde leanings. They’ve already performed with Alien Chicks and Maruja too.
Intruder is a sprawling welcome which masterfully straddles a number of genres. The title observe displays the band’s ambition and persona. It’s a nimble but heavy movement between jazz and art-rock, persevering with the modern lineage of Miles Davis, James Likelihood and The Contortions, and King Krule. The sax and trumpets are decorative, avoiding saturation or nostalgia. As a counter, gentler Bauhaus-esque guitars steer the observe’s apocalyptic ending. This adjective is apt for the pained vocals, amped up of their Krule-ish wailing, that lament on ‘heaven and hell’ and different existential ruminations – from ‘fossils’ to ‘time’. Oliver Walsh’s anxious but mature voice fits this world-weary tone sublimely. Opposite to this soulful croon, this observe – and the remainder of the EP – revolves round a continuing unpredictability, guitar thrashing aplenty and Zak Osborne’s post-bop jazz drumming. Quiet, introspective, discordant and feverish dynamics have by no means been so nice!
The goth-rock atmospheres and noise tendencies proceed into You, once more swerving onto a special route, crunchy Sonic Youth guitars driving the observe to its heady, barnstorming climax. There are additionally delicate echoes of fellow sax-wielding Manchester post-punks Maruja, demonstrating their deft, skilled jazz chops (their theory-based forte).
On One By One, Slint-ish, chiming guitar harmonics and spoken-word sermons exemplify their present of tension-building, compacting the power required for a cathartic launch. In unpredictable vogue, its finale – and the neurotic rhythm guitar and dynamics of the following observe – does simply that with the mania of basic black midi. Wagon’s insistent, staccato guitar strike retains a fierce beat and noxious dread, a satisfying praise to the pensive trumpet and summary chorus of ‘one other morning wrapped in thunder’.
Return to this assessment in a number of years’ time when, in addition to a possible stratospheric evolution, Ladybarn’s creative goth-rock could have secured their spots on the most discerning festivals and publications.
Take heed to Intruder right here.
Observe the band on social media.
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Overview by James Kilkenny. Learn extra of his Louder Than Warfare articles right here.
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