By Daffs (TwoDaff)
Every once in a while you discover a band that you know are gonna go places. I was lucky enough, a couple of months ago to find such a band after being asked by them to write a review for their debut single. This band was LUNARCA and the debut was ‘Living as Me’. The band consist of four members: front man Connor Berry, lead guitarist Elliot Britton, bassist Jasper Elliot and drummer Tom Stafford.
LUNARCA have built a large fanbase of more than 10,000 followers across their social media and acquired over 7 million views on their TikTok and Instagram they are rapidly rising on the indie scene. Their debut amassed over 7,000 streams on Spotify alone and that was within the first month, they have featured on This Feelings ‘Best New Bands’ playlist and BBC Radio Sheffield.
They wear their influences on their sleeves, inspired by 60’s rock with bands like the Beatles, Stones and The Animals at the forefront, they merge this sound with psychedelic riffs whilst putting a modern twist on things, to quote myself, and it still holds true “A sixties rhythm and blues odyssey brought forward into the 21st century”
“Psychedelic riffs”
Their latest release ‘Runaway’ due for release on 23rd September, was recorded at the infamous ‘Yellow Arch Studios’ in Sheffield with Mercury prize nominated producer Colin Elliot and showcases what these young lads are capable of. They have a level maturity in their music that is well beyond their years and they are not scared to put out songs reminiscent of that golden 60’s era with a modern indie twist so appealing to young and old alike, which, in my opinion gives them a unique quality backed up with a refreshing sound.
So, having being given a sneak preview of their latest track I was excited to hear what they had produced. I wasn’t disappointed. Opening with a deep, clean bass intro incorporating that 60’s RnB vibe before the guitars kick in, it’s a 60’s dream except you wake up in the modern day, with Animals/Beatles melodies, Who basslines and another fantastic vocal performance. These lads would not be out of place on Ready steady Go, complete with bee hive adorned dancers.
“It’s a 60’s dream”
The song is driven by the bass lines, complemented by the beatlesque melodic guitars, but it’s the vocal that really sets it off, crisp clean and on point throughout the verse, with an added edge, that gives a pleasing harshness through the chorus, backed with harmonies from the band. It’s got a proper bouncy, uplifting feel, then there comes the midsection, chiming guitar solo builds up to a crescendo, that blasts through to the end. Its definitely got an anthemic feel, catchy, but with an added edge, showing a variation in the sounds they put out and showcasing their talent.
“Stunning vocal presence”
Although still early days, these lads have produced two songs now that show an immense level of talent, musicianship and skill in their music, fantastic instrumentals, an absolutely stunning vocal presence and a confidence that will ensure they are going places. Personally, I love the 60’s feel to their music, but it still doesn’t take anything away from that modern indie vibe. I predict a runaway success with these lads.
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