This is a hell of a debut. Featuring members of Sauna Youth and CoId Pumas, Marcel Wave are a promising lot. Singer Maike Hale- Jones delivers witty, gobby vignettes on the state of Britain, flanked by Oliver Fisher and his bruising guitar, and organ from Lindsay Corstorphine.
It’s in the grand tradition of UK post-punk storytelling. I can hear shades of early Squeeze and Pulp in tracks like ‘Barrow Boys’ and ‘Where There’s Muck There’s Brass’, which look at the rise of capitalism and gentrification, and ‘Linoleum Floor’ casts a sad eye over the hollowness of partying. It could be a twenty first century riposte to Soft Cell ‘s 80s classic ‘Bedsitter’.
It’s impressive indeed, punky indie pop that may sound cheeky and throwaway, but has a lot to say. I want to go on a night out with Marcel Wave. Mine’s a Kopparberg. Pass the onion rings.
Out via Upset The Rhythm on June 14th.
Hit The North 