Take it from me, growing up in Essex is difficult when Rock ‘n’ Roll is the Holy Scripture you live by and everyone you idolise is a million miles away, speaking with a glorious northern timbre. However, the Essex adversity has not managed to lessen the ability of what is one of the region’s greatest prospects, the leather-clad four-piece that is The Scarletts.
Being a (moderately ashamed) resident of Essex, I cling to the hope that a local band will rise through the ranks of the music industry and put us on the metaphorical map. Having listened to The Scarletts new track, ‘Carousel,’ my faith has grown dramatically.
As the track begins, the heavy drum beat of Harry Clarke carves out an unrefined path that allows the guitar and bass of Liam Dunne and Billy Phelps to flow interdependently, before the sultry croon of Ryan Turner weaves in and out of the commotion caused by his band-mates.
As we accept the band’s offer of a spin on their carousel, the song changes lanes, and our carousel-ride morphs into a roller-coaster cart, falling from a great height. The second half of the song provides what the first lacked, in an unexpected turn for the better.
The over-emphasis of simple, yet wistful lyrics by Turner constructs a track that becomes engrained in one’s mind, even after a single listen. The almost hypnotic juxtaposition of mercurial, ever-changing guitar and moody vocals makes for a complete song – many emerging bands rely on the strength of either their frontman’s vocal ability, their convincing lyrics, or their ability as musicians, and use it as a ‘USP’. The Scarletts, on the other hand, have managed to achieve balance, despite their youth, with a combination of aspects you may expect to see in a band together for a number of years.
We see Ryan Turner’s namesake, Alex (Turner, obviously) as a clear influence on the band from the outset. Given the triumphs of AM in 2013, it is impossible for a rock band not to draw similarities, but the sound of ‘Carousel’ does not cling to this record – in fact, it is as equally, if not more so shaped by the musical-pairing of the above-mentioned rock hero, and the maestro that is Miles Kane. The inspiration of The Last Shadow Puppets on this track is most certainly recognisable, but not binding. The sound of the band belongs to The Scarletts and The Scarletts alone, with keen innovation being at the core of a group that has a sound that cannot be pigeon-holed.
The energy of this track has added to the reputation of The Scarletts as an excellent live band. If you find yourself in the south-east, check out tour dates. If you don’t, wait a while – it won’t be too long until The Scarletts are gigging nationwide, I’m sure.
Find out more:
Words by George Birch