Sometimes first impressions really DO count. Take GRIM NORTHERN SOCIAL for example. I mean, what a fantastic name! That's the first rung on the ladder sorted. Then the fact that they've already been described as "the bastard sons of working class heroes." Mmm...so far, so good.
Actually, the only trouble with such initial excitement is that usually inevitable disappointment follows close behind when you check the record out. No such worries here, though, for if both "Honey" and "The Grim Northern Social" (also included)- are anything to base opinions on, then this lot have got it all sewn up.
First things first, though. Who the hell are GRIM NORTHERN SOCIAL? Well, they're a five-piece from north of the border who've already pulled off numerous coups like winning the 'Best Unsigned Band' at last year's In The City festival, winning over the crowd at the last T-in-The-Park and winning over our favourite old curmudgeon Elvis Costello when they supported him in Edinburgh.
And, like their current Scottish contemporaries CAYTO, it's no surprise that eyebrows are being raised, as these two tracks are excellent; immediately demonstrating that Grim Northern Social are only too happy to embrace thrilling diversity.
"Honey" comes first: no-nonsense four-square beats, descriptive guitars, sweet backing vocals and Ewan McFarlane's pinched and attractive voice all giving the song a hefty nudge into a memorable chorus that shows GNS are obviously after more than the regular indie guitar prizes.
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"The Grim Northern Social" itself, though, is the truly remarkable thing here. After the linear pop sounds of "Honey", it startles with a long, FX-fuelled intro giving way to beats and floaty strings not dissimilar to Bjork at her best and eventually some lovely, angelic guitar. The vocals are of the massed choir variety, but the stuttery electronica that kicks in suggests there's a healthy tongue-in-cheek approach to counteract the cavernous sound the band achieve.
It's precarious to present a full-blooded appraisal of a band on the basis of two tracks, granted, but GRIM NORTHERN SOCIAL clearly have vast reserves of eclectic energy and much more than just a superb name to help establish a foothold in this ever-shifting business. Great start.
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