Picture the scene – you’re sunbathing by the pool on a tropical island, coconut-encased cocktail in-hand. The palm trees sway in the intermittent sea breeze as you gaze across the golden sand to the rippling fields of azure. A colourful riff bursts out of the resort bar’s surround sound. The opening to ‘The Tale Of Cassandra’ – the latest dose of effervescent vibrance from Manchester alt-rockers, Larkins. Having only recently polished off the recording of their upcoming EP, spurred on by the acclaim received in response to ‘Hit and Run’, the band has chosen to strike while the iron’s hot in releasing this sophomore single, to prove that they’re but eons away from being mere one-trick ponies.
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The song follows an ostensibly similar formula to their debut single, chiefly encompassing another candidly composed, yet expertly executed lead – of which, several variations are employed throughout. As the saying goes: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Incoming bassist, Henry Beach, has slipped seamlessly into the band’s proficient ensemble, imparting a subtly enchanting hook that strikes a fresh element of vigour into the track’s consummately dynamic aesthetic.
At a time of the year where many bands and artists are vehemently endeavouring to create a sparkling summer anthem that will set up camp in listeners’ minds until the inevitable arrival of autumn, I’m left without a single shred of doubt that Larkins have well and truly succeeded on that front, with aplomb.
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Words by Alex Graham