Under the Influence: Clean Cut Kid

Clean Cut Kid are onto something. On first listen, you could be forgiven for wondering what decade they hail from – a relatively new band, yet so clearly influenced by the glitz and glamour of slick 80s pop, with a dash of 90s alterna-rock thrown into the mix (subtle, yet undeniable once identified). What this means for us, luckily, is a collection of pop songs populated by huge choruses, laced with fascinating sonic textures. It's a sound to fall in love to – and to fall in love with.

Comprising Mike Halls (guitar/vocals), Evelyn Halls (keyboards/vocals), Saul Godman (bass) and Ross Higginson (drums), the band are set to release their debut album Felt in May – think Stevie'n'Lindsay-era Fleetwood Mac as produced by Wayne Coyne and you're halfway there. Here the band select some of the songs that influenced the record to get us all excited ahead of time...

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

[The Suburbs, 2010]

"Probably our favourite album as a band; this has influenced so many different aspects of the album. Its lyrical concept is incredible – to take the simple subject of childhood friends drifting apart and stretch it over the whole album... We drew a lot of inspiration from The Suburbs on tracks like Felt and Pick Me Up, and we actually worked with Craig Silvey who mixed it." 

Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight

[Face Value, 1981]

"This was actually the reference track for Vitamin C, particularly in terms of drum sounds. Old Dr Phil is a beast and we are not worthy."

Vampire Weekend – Everlasting Arms

[Modern Vampires of the City, 2013]

"We used this album a lot for referencing cool synths – the second verse tom sound on We Used To Be In Love took shape after listening to this track."

The Shins – New Slang

[Oh, Inverted World, 2001]

"The Shins are one of our favourite bands of all time – James Mercer sifts effortlessly through the coolest melodies and lyrically he's a genius. We tried to emulate a Shins-type feel and sound on the track Jean."

Paul Simon  – Graceland

[Graceland, 1986]

"It's impossible to feel sad listening to this album. It is incredible. One of the main aspects of the way Mike [Halls, guitar/vocals] arranges is in the juxtaposition between the sad lyrical content and the uplifting music. Make Believe is a sad story of a relationship on the brink of collapse, but with the harsh, bold guitars and Ladysmith Black Mambazo-inspired gang vocals, we tried to create a bittersweet feeling for the listener."

The Districts – Bold

[A Flourish And A Spoil, 2015]

"This track just jumped out at us when we first heard it. It has such a cool drum sound. Rich Turvey, who produced a good bulk of the record, is brilliant at emulating drum sounds and getting that quirky snare drum or vocal. If you listen to Brother Of Mine, we drew inspiration from this track a lot."

Bon Iver – Beth/Rest

[Bon Iver, 2011]

"The god that is Justin Vernon had to have his influence on our album. When we were tracking Time To Let You Go, we wanted that dreamy 80s nostalgia that he gets so right in Beth/Rest."

Clean Cut Kid on their debut album

"Felt is our version of a modern-day break-up concept record. It covers everything from one relationship falling apart, through to another forming in its wake. It's honest and emotional, but never miserable or wallowing."

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Felt is released via Babe Magnet/Polydor on 5 May

Clean Cut Kid tour the UK this spring, including shows at King Tuts, Glasgow (28 Apr); O2 ABC, Glasgow (supporting Michael Kiwanuka, 1 May); Sound Control, Manchester (12 May); and O2 Academy, Liverpool (20 May)