“Sweet Sour,” the title track from Band of Skulls’ new album, is a piece reflective of the band’s raw and distinctive style. The influence from the band’s home of Southampton is undeniable, as the album makes about as much effort to sound pretty as an English port city. “Sweet Sour” is of a nature that relies more on the instrumentals than the lyrics — which is nevertheless effective. The song’s relentless drum beats and melded vocals leave the listener with a kind of “get over yourself” vibe.
“Sweet Sour” is a track that draws you in yet refuses to commit, gradually layering on riffs and alternating clashing guitar chords with solo riffs that carry an all encompassing feel. With its draw-you-in nature and head banging possibilities, “Sweet Sour” becomes frustrating in the best possible kind of way.
If this track is up your alley, check out the rest of Sweet Sour, the third album from Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums), released February 21. The trio doesn’t beat around the bush, providing a compilation of alternative rock songs that are back to basics — solid, catchy, and with plenty of irresistible angst.