What has Manchester ever done for us? To hijack a well-known Monty Python quote. So, let’s see…
Boddington’s beer. Man Utd. Suffragette heroine Emmeline Pankhurst. TV soap Corrie. The Hacienda, Tony Wilson and Factory Records. The world’s oldest library dating back to 1653. Marks & Spencer’s first store. The world’s first railway line. The submarine, developed in 1878. The splitting of the Atom in 1919. All Manchester-related.
We can forgive them for Take That. Just!
So one day soon, we predict that you can add another name to the long, long, long list of famous stuff to come out of this Northern powerhouse city; among the zillions of bands that Manchester are proud of like Stone Roses, Oasis, Happy Mondays, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, Inspiral Carpets,The Hollies, The Ting Tings.
Fast-rising Manchester guitar-pop collective Larkins. We love ’em. We tip ’em for big things. Josh Noble sings lead and plays guitar, Dom Want plays guitar, Henry Beach is on bass and Joe Stott sits at the drums.
Their infectious, anthemic new single “TV Dream” – released today 15th Feb 2019 – could be a pivotal moment in their climb up the slippery ladder of success. It’s credible and it’s addictive. Think The 1975 (another Manc’ band), Years & Years, Scritti Politti and Duran Duran…and more. But be assured; Larkins deffo have their own thing goin’ on…
The new song features bright synths, 80s-inspired guitars and a huge chorus showcasing their knack for intelligent songwriting and delicious pop hooks – which is reminiscent of the likes of CHVRCHES, Pale Waves and the previously referenced The 1975. Their single from late 2018, “Something Beautiful” was superb, but this latest track is a more current sound and deserves to spread the word far and wide.
Josh Noble says the song is inspired by his grandparents. “The idea that romance and dancing has lost its appeal and vigour from what it used to be. Instead, when we turn on the TV we see these visions of gender inequality, and blaming sexism on the way people dress. I loved combining such a blissful story of romance with a more serious tone of being influenced by the modern media.”
Since their debut EP “Don’t Leave The Light On” dropped in 2016, Larkins have developed a sizeable and loyal fan-base, and sold out gigs across the UK and Europe. On the back of their 12-date “Taking Off” tour last year, the band will hit the road again in a week’s time – taking a break from recording their debut album – to play four headline dates across the UK, including a major hometown show at the 2000-capacity Albert Hall in Manchester on March 2nd.
This is a band who sound like a band and look like a band. Stacks of chemistry as a unit. A singer who can sing and plenty of swagger. A band who can play. Gorgeous vocal harmonies. Catchy, credible pop with balls. A modern guitar band, but with retro nods via the 80s synth sounds.
Anyone who thinks The 1975 have that territory well and truly covered should get to hear Larkins; and then think again! Watch ’em go…..
LARKINS HEADLINE TOUR DATES
23/02 – Glasgow, The Garage
28/02 – Leeds, Brudenell Community Room
01/03 – Nottingham, Bodega
02/03 – Manchester, Albert Hall * The Lottery Winners and Plastic House as support
