Ralfe Band - Attics/Stumble

Ralfe Band run a line in stomping feet and energetic grooves. Rich, considered melodic changes reveal themselves like the blue sky through clouds, uncovering a cheery interior to their twisting, dark, vaudeville themes. The tenderly accented piano and churning guitars of Attics create playful refrains which would comfortably complement the Mighty Boosh, should songwriter Oly Ralfe run out of material for his day job. Stumble echoes The Kinks’ Dead End Street, with a Ray Davies-style drawl spiralling over tense harpsichord: a polka of misery and regret dancing through the tears. An intriguing double A-side which hints that a forthcoming album won't be lacking in creativity. [Jamie Scott]