Channelling chilled yet energetic low-fi indie pop vibes, Isle of Wight based XOCKHA use their debut Sleeper EPto exert the sheer enthusiasm acquired from their fresh formation at the beginning of 2015. Having been on the scene for such a short amount of time, XOCKHA show a relatively remarkable level of maturity, combining catchy guitar riffs with 80s-esque synths to create a distinctive, quirky sound.
The EP’s duration appears to maintain the charismatic approach instated by opening track ‘Slow / Fast’, which acted as the quartet’s first release, introducing listeners to their self-described ‘hard-vibe’ sound. The track showcases reverb-heavy guitars accompanied by a somewhat grounded bassline, maintaining the solidarity and structure of the piece. In essence, it’s a 101 guide on how to create a self-assured, feel-good pop song (insert ‘sound of summer’ cliché here).
However, Sleeper EP provides more emotional depth than initially appears. Take the fourth and final track, ‘Indecision’, for example. Opening with a modest four note riff and growing into a much larger body of sound, the track seems to develop emotionally as well as texturally, appearing almost reminiscent and quasi-nostalgic. This juxtaposition of depth and upbeat rhythms seems to carry the EP, giving it an edge that makes XOCKHA appear fresh and youthful yet mature and thoughtful simultaneously.
When listening to current DIY bands following the original indie ethos, it’s often easy to place them under the same umbrella of comparison; “the likes of Drenge”, “a southern Arctic Monkeys”, yet with XOCKHA this seems hard to do. It would be easy to assume they’re following in the footsteps of the typical Peace/Swim Deep/Jaws combo, but there’s something about their sound that seems to dismiss this. Whilst the rhythm section possesses a consistently groovy vibe, frontman Benjamin Jones’ vocals seem to float amongst the tracks, giving the EP a hazy dreamlike quality, and thus making its originality something to admire.
And so, with our appetites whetted, it looks like we’ll be waiting patiently for more songs and possibly an album from the underdog islanders. In the mean time, you can catch XOCKHA on the main stage at this year’s Bestival, and tune in to their twitter to hear about any upcoming gigs and tracks.Oh, and one last thing, the name XOCKHA (pronounced “ex-ock-ha”) is a reference to Orlando Weeks’ solo project, Young Colossus. You’re welcome.
Words by Georgie King
@whosGeorgie