After featuring brother-duo Alfie Jack’s debut release, ‘Captain’, we awaited their follow-up with baited breath. The resulting single, ‘Investigate’, does not disappoint, and we are delighted to be premiering it on the site. The siblings from Lincolnshire, whose real names are George and Freddie Barnett, have constructed a perfectly poppy, fun track, something like a cocker spaniel turned into song. ‘Investigate’ retains the idiomatic mix of American bluegrass influences and British personality that made ‘Captain’ so refreshing to listen to.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/252556666″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
While the label of ‘indie folk’ sometimes feels trite, Alfie Jack manage to bring something entirely new to the scene with their seemingly boundless energy and sarcastic tone (reminiscent of early Libertines tracks), and their unique take on the old scenario of a breakup. Musically, too, ‘Investigate’ keeps our interest with tempo changes and hand claps which, rather than seeming unnecessary, work to make the song seamlessly exciting.
In short, ‘Investigate’ is an exercises in spirited storytelling, and wonderfully showcases Alfie Jack’s promise. If you like what you hear (and you should), you can keep up with the band on their Facebook and Twitter.
Words by Priya Bryant