DEMOS

Image: Labyrinthi

WORDS: TOM MCLEAN

DEMO OF THE MONTH

Labyrinthine Oceans – Liar Liar

Pardon me for jumping on a term, but young, two-piece ‘grazz’ (grunge and jazz) band Labyrinthine Oceans have had the rather pleasing hybrid label pinned on them with good reason. Formed in late 2020, Labyrinthine Oceans sees multitalented macabre-enthusiast Julia O’Neill (vocals, keys, guitar) and multi-instrumentalist funk specialist Toby Flynn (bass), combine to produce what one can only describe as the North East’s answer to The XX. In demo track Liar Liar, O’Neill’s dulcet tones simultaneously soar above and cut through Flynn’s steady bass arrangements like a hot knife through butter, creating a sombre ballad that could both close the first act of a West End musical and entertain on Glastonbury’s alternative stage. Keep your ears keen, there’s an unpolished diamond here. www.facebook.com/labyrinthineoceans

Queensbury – In Heaven/Taboo

Born out of Hartlepool’s Northern School of Art, creative collective Queensbury is a group forged of filmmakers, photographers, illustrators and graphic designers. Utilising the group as a vehicle to showcase their talents, their latest collaboration comes in the form of double A-side tracks In Heaven and Taboo. These gritty, pulsating pieces seem to set their stall across various rap sub-genres, blending elements of drill and grime to forge socially relevant, self-aware tunes that supersede the group’s self-proclaimed limited musical background. The pacier In Heaven is perhaps the pick of the two, but Taboo isn’t without virtue. Thus, as this collective navigates future musical and artistic avenues, In Heaven and Taboo are sure to provide a solid foundation from which Queensbury’s members can launch themselves into the creative industry. www.instagram.com/_queensbury_

Kieran Atkins – Observe

Middlesbrough-born artist Kieran Atkins is a fine example of the exceptional independent work that many of the North East’s grassroots musicians are producing. An experimental, self-taught musician, through this latest track Kieran utilises soft, catchy rhythms as a means to produce a gentle earworm that promises great things to come. Think Lemon Jelly crossed with Joshua Radin. At just under two minutes, this track might be short but, importantly, it is also pleasingly sweet. Hence, judging by this taster, chill out music might just have found a new voice in this ‘Boro boy. www.soundcloud.com/kieran-atkins-1

Sam Hughes – Starry Eyes

Starry Eyes is the only purely instrumental track on our list and is produced by singer/guitarist Sam Hughes. I say purely instrumental, but Starry Eyes does contain seamlessly blended snippets of Apollo 11’s moon landing used to set the scene as we’re eased into the Newcastle College student’s summer’s day soundscape. Make no mistake, this track has high production values and Hughes has an ear for comfort, as is demonstrated by Starry Eyes’ relaxing guitar riffs and binaural rhythms. In fact, one could be forgiven for thinking this track was the brainchild of Joe Satriani, Santana and Zero 7. A top taste of things to come. www.instagram.com/_samhughes__

The Sightseers – Solitude

In Solitude, dynamic duo The Sightseers have produced a harmonic convergence of gentle vocals, percussion and lyrics that is indicative of a bright future. This listener was particularly impressed by the duo’s ability to tap in to the intricacies of the public subconscious, effortlessly reflecting the inner monologue of every introvert you’ve ever met. Musically, tight harmonies float seamlessly over a reassuringly steady acoustic guitar, aiding a peaceful retreat for those overwhelmed by the madness of modern-day living. Think HAIM if they slowed things down and recorded some live acoustic sessions. This duo may be in its infancy but if Solitude is anything to go by, one can foresee a great future for The Sightseers…but you already knew that. www.thesightseers.bandcamp.com