Track Review: Huxtable- Juliet — Music Musings & Such

TRACK REVIEW:

Huxtable　

Juliet

9.1/10.0

Juliet is available via

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l99jNKn4LZk

RELEASE DATE: 09 MAY, 2014

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: SCOTLAND

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The Scottish duo have a template that brings to mind the likes of Them Crooked Vultures; these endeavouring chaps have a striking and direct sound that is going to be on the lips of many before too long.

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HEAVIER and more primal sounds have fallen under my radar...

over the last few weeks. In the next few days I am going to be exploring softer and gentler music, yet I felt compelled to feature a potent two-piece; an act who are just starting out and have a big future ahead of them. Before I investigate the duo more closely, let me introduce them to you:

Jordan Yates Marc William Brown

"Huxtable are a two-man rock band from Scotland. Near Glasgow to be specific. Kilmarnock in Ayrshire to be spot on. They make riff laden music with big drums, big guitars and big vocals. It is razor-sharp. It is loud. It is catchy. It can be softly spoken but not for long. It is Huxtable. We are Huxtable and we are pleased to meet your acquaintance. We have recently finished recording a collection of songs- the original plan was to release one EP and see where it went. However, upon listening back we felt the 6 songs on the upcoming release belonged together. They are supposed to be listened to as a collective. So here we are. Debut mini album coming soon."

At present, Huxtable have a smattering of followers online (and a string of gigs under their belts), but this will soon change. They come across as affable and honest; an act that want to reach as many people as possible, and take their music far and wide. I have surveyed many different Scottish acts, from Echo Arcadia, through to Universal Thee, all the way along to Steve Heron. It is a nation that offers a huge diversity and range; where acts are keen to separate and distinguish themselves; supersede expectations and stick in the mind. Whereas cities such as London may provide a greater number of bands/acts, Scotland is housing a wave of eager and potent young musicians, keen to make their mark.

Huxtable have been compared to the likes of Them Crooked Vultures and The Raconteurs. In terms of modern acts, they have a sound that is similar to Royal Blood and Knuckle. There are many duos playing across the U.K., although only a few that provide such a Hard/Desert Rock kick. The duo blend elements of modern-day American and British music, yet should not be instantly compared with anyone else. Whilst there are shades of other acts, there is a distinct originality and sense of individuality that earns the duo their stripes. Those whom love Blues and vintage Grunge will find much to appreciate; similarly fans of Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age will love what they hear. The duo provide music that is indiscriminate and all-inclusive; that which can be played in the heat of summer, and the cold bite of winter- it is music that makes you want to kick your feet and become immersed in.

A swinging Rage Against The Machine-esque riff is unleashed straight off; the guitar slams and twists; the percussion clatters with gleeful abandon- it is a metallic and animalistic clash. Primal urges are unleashed in the swaggering opening; our duo set the mood and ensure that intrigue and fascination are set to 'maximum'. Twiddling and swooping guitar touches are employed (you can hear the influence of Them Crooked Vultures) as our front-man steps to the mic. The vocal (at first) is controlled and restrained. Yates introduces our heroine, and the story begins ("Here we are/Where we met"). Words are sparse and repeated, building in a mantra-like quality; the simple and direct lyrics are re-introduced, ensuring they stick inside of your brain. Before long the vocal becomes more impassioned and inflamed; our frontman opens up his voice and lets his heart pour out. Backed by guitar and drum which stutter and trip, the heady combination ensures that the listener stands to attention and takes notice. As with U.S. stalwarts Them Crooked Vultures, The Raconteurs and Q.O.T.S.A., Huxtable have a talent for stirring compositions; the guitars snake and hypnotize, the percussion pounds and pulverize. The duo's talent for economy of language ensures that there are no unexpected surprises; by the second verse you are repeating and singing the words- as well as imagining some vivid scenes. Yates once more talks of where he and Juliet met ("It's a stagehole"); the song puts you right in the picture and actively brings scenes and images to fruition. By the 2:00 mark the song builds; based around a single thought ("Here we are/Where we met/In the rafters") you can hear the intensity and conviction in the vocal; our front-man wants his heroine to show some soul- although it sounds like his soul has been ripped apart and turned inside out. By the closing stages, the mood gets heavier and more fearsome. This time the words have a truthfulness and malevolence to their core: "Everybody's gonna to die/It could happen to you." By the time the final guitar-and-drum combo is elicited, you are overwhelmed and exhausted- and curious about how things worked out for Juliet. This is a song to get the blood rushing; for when you are pounding down an open highway or in the mood to cut loose. Not exclusive to lovers of the genre, its simplicity and urgency can be extrapolated by all. The production is clear and sharp, allowing the song's evolutions to shine through. The enraptured and solid vocals mark Yates out as one of the most impressive singers around; similarly Marc William Brown marks himself out of as one of the strongest and more primal percussionists around. It is clear that the duo will not be (relatively) unknown for long.

The duo is in the fledgling stages, so it is hard to compare Juliet to anything else. What I do know (from reviewing the track) is that the two-piece will have a busy future. They are on the brink of unveiling their debut- a mini-album that will show just what a force Huxtable are. Juliet is a hard-hitting and urgent slice of Blues/Garage Rock rush that hits you instantly, but also compels repeated listens and investigation. Huxtable have some modest tour dates coming up, but once their mini-album hits, I expect things to change radically. As well as an increase in online followers, I am confident that venues through the U.K. will be snapping the chaps up. The sounds they offer are familiar and well-represented, but there is plenty of room in the market for the likes of Huxtable. In a year that is seeing the likes of Royal Blood rise to regency levels of acclaim, it is highly probable that (several years from now) the two-piece will be enjoying similar acclaim. In a music scene where urgency, passion and potency take a back seat to other considerations, you should do yourself a favor and...

CHECK these boys out.