Hello cadets, hope you enjoyed the piece from yesterday on the Pop genre. I had a lot of interesting feedback and I would like to take this time to remind you that I accept all feedback and criticism so let me have it, just try to be constructive. In keeping with the theme from yesterday I will submit to you a review of a local blues-rock band from Sheffield in the UK, Skeletons & the Empty Pockets. This review is only of the songs I had access to here in the United States so please bear with me.
I first stumbled across this band in 2010 when I heard the song “Everyone Still Loves You” (known as “Folks at Home” on their myspace page) on The Rock Sound Magazine's 'Rock Sound: Ones to Watch 2010'. Of all the artists on that sampler CD this was the song that had my attention from the powerful beginning that seemed to start with keyboards, guitar, bass and drums simultaneously playing, needless to say it was an attention getter. From there you are left with a catchy tune that conjures an image of the coolest circus ever matched with interesting lyrics and unique vocals, this song was definitely a gem. I proceeded to not only play it every time I was in the car but to look up the band and see if I could find more of their music.
It was in this time that I stumbled upon the next two songs, those were “Oh Brother! Oh Sister!” and “In the Woods” from their Oh Brother! Oh Sister! EP and I was blown away yet again, both songs have a little subtler yet unique opening riffs and the style seemed slightly different yet still very much their own. “In the Woods” has a very 70’s meets new millennium sound that just clicks perfectly with Liam Creamer’s vocal style. “Oh Brother! Oh Sister!” was also amazing, a little more modern sounding and in the same vein as “Everybody Still Loves You.” Christopher Shepherd and Matthew Westley made the guitar and bass create a whole new bluesy sound combined with a wonderful sprinkling of keyboards by Stuart Di-Tanna. This was the first track I heard to lead with the drums which are brilliantly played by Ryan Jenkinson. These songs are on iTunes and I highly recommend everyone should check them out.
I made it to their myspace page next and found yet another song called “Le Cake”. The song starts out with a playful beat that evolves into a delightful romp of a tune that incites one to get up and dance. The energy is nothing but feel-good with good times to be had and should not be overlooked. The backing vocals and up-beat keyboard definitely tied this song together in a truly great way.
Last but definitely not least was “On Ya Knees,” the Skeletons’ newest song. I think this was their mellowest song since “In the Woods” and brought something a bit different to the table. This is the song you could hear at blues club, the low sound that starts the song off that builds to a crescendo at the chorus is definitely something to behold and the last half of the song takes on a whole life of it’s own without becoming a separate entity.
Overall I think that the Skeletons & the Empty Pockets are a band to watch for, their sound is unique and on a level all it’s own. They have a new EP in the works and currently perform in the UK. Please visit their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Skeletonsandtheemptypockets where you can listen to their music and get updates to their activities. While you are there please join me on my page at The Litter-Ati where you can voice your opinions, participate in open topics and polls and hear about any upcoming events. This is War Kitten signing off and reminding you that any story involving the sentence “I didn’t meant to put my sword there” is going to require explaining.
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