Feral Five – Skin EP (Primitive Light Recordings)
CD/DL/Cassette
Out Now
9/10
The new EP by indie electro duo Feral Five is currently making waves. Louder Than War’s Paul Scott-Bates finds out why.
Feral Five might just have released the best single of 2013. With “Skin”, they have created a modern slice of electropunk disco for any discerning alternative music fan. With more than a hint of Elastica’s Justine Frischmann, Kat Five oozes velvet tones that effortlessly connect with the deep pulsing synth and guitar to sumptuous effect. Drew Five adds a background of film music composition and throbbing basslines that make your throat pound.
“Skin” is already a modern day alternative classic, brought to you here with five versions. It has enough chorus to embed itself into your mind, and enough post punk disco to be original and satisfyingly commercial. Its two and a half minutes go by far too quickly, but leave you craving for a fix that will have you replaying it constantly. Turn up loud and feel the power.
The “Kissinger Space Dub” is an absolute monster of a dub mix. Swaggering along with all the cockiness of a Gallagher on weed, its post dub groove is simply wonderful. Kat’s vocals echo over an epic, loose rhythm which is unapologetically almost all instrumental, with synth effects flying and whirring around in the background.
For those of us who remember The Woodentops and their 1986 classic Giant, the news that Rolo McGinty contributes three mixes of the song should really fill your heart with long lost love. His “Sick Mix” is very reminiscent of the collaborations with legendary producer Bob Sargeant, but with a modern day twist. There are great loops and a percussion that romps along with an occasional echoed Kat.
The “RM Deep Remix” is more of an alternative version of the original. Added percussion and a grittier, dirtier cut still retains the edge of the track. A late night and early morning listening essential.
The EP adds another genre and ends with “Club Mix”, which brings it completely into the night scene with a faux house feel and echoes aplenty. More additional synth effects and a trip-hop undertone add another facet but doesn’t take away from the track.
Expect big things from Feral Five, your new favourite band.
The Feral Five website is here. You can follow them on Twitter here, and do Facebook stuff here.
All words by Paul Scott-Bates. More of Paul’s writing on Louder Than War can be found here. Paul’s website is hiapop Blog. Paul is working hard to save Radio Lancashire’s On The Wire, the BBCs longest running alternative music programme. Follow him on twitter as @saveonthewire for all On The Wire news or follow hiapop Blog on Twitter, @hiapop.
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