The Laurel Collective - Vuitton Blues
[Double Six Records]

This romp of a record adds further credibility to the Double Six label, with recent releases from White Williams and Eugene McGuinness still fresh in the mind. With ‘Vuitton Blues’, London sextet The Laurel Collective are giving out strong signals that their imminent debut album will be a proud, upbeat affair, full of admirable variety, if the range of styles present on this particular track are anything to go by.

The song starts off with a mid-paced guitar-dominated intro accompanied by a distinctive set of hand claps, before the vocals kick in for a blink-and-you-miss-it verse and a lyrically sombre bridge. Bob Tollast’s voice initially recalls that of Alec from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, keeping you in tow throughout before eventually being backed up by other band members as the track builds up into a harmonious, indie pop gem.

The Laurel Collective surge effortlessly between different rhythms and tempos, with comparisons to Dexys and Field Music on the horizon but not overwhelming by any stretch of the imagination. B-Side ‘Krypton Factor’ is a more lo-fi offering, certainly slower-paced than its predecessor to begin with, but interesting nonetheless for its almost hip-hop-style beats and psychedelic edge. This lot are more than worth the buzz which surrounds them as we head into the summer months, and hopes are high for the album.

Tracklisting:

A. Vuitton Blues
B. Krypton Factor