The Lodger are definitely one of the bands to watch from the scene that is "New Yorkshire"- it must be true because it was even in the Guardian. This Double A-side is only their second single and already they are making friends in all the right places- Steve Lamacq among them. But though following in the wake of other Leeds bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Forward, Russia! The Lodger- a far more delicate prospect
"Watching" is a perfectly measured piece of power-indie pop- from the opening frantically strummed chords the crisp guitars drive it through to its end just two and a half minutes later. The drums, bass and later sweeping synth knit together to fill out the sound simply, but with powerful exactness. It is in the simplicity that you find the songs effectiveness. Even the melody doesn't seem particularly hooky on first listen- but it WILL invade your sub-conscious and you WILL find yourself singing it when you least expect it.
The vocal is perhaps a point of contention- it sometimes feels a little out of its depth on the first track, however it's lightness perfectly suits the second: "Not So Fast"- a slower track though no less purposeful. It's a breezy song but with a melancholy 'outsider' feel ("You don't understand, you just steal my plans")- and like the first track would not feel out of place on a Graham Coxon album. From the tinkling guitar lines of the verse to the power chords of chorus it is again beautifully executed.
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The songs are fragile and determined in equal measure, and though the musical ideas are not particularly new (Re-calling numerous yesteryear indie bands- Ooberman for example), it is pulled off with a shimmer and a shine that it truly appealing. One can only hope that the attention afforded to this band will result in us hearing more songs of this quality in the future.
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