Brighton’s Shrag is a band who’s been around for some years, but who I have learnt to love only recently. I did not like their debut album from 2009 too much, but ADORED their previous single “Rabbit Kids / Erratic Fiction”.
Their new song “Tights in August” is also an amazing indiepop-song, so lovely that I almost get tears in my eyes when I hear it. Tears of joy, of course. Their second album is called “Life! Death! Prizes!”, and will be released on the fine WIAIWYA-label on 4th October 2010. Two stunning singles from this album so far, – what wonderful secrets do the rest of album hold? I am so looking forward to this one!
You can get the new song “Tights in August” for free from here:
I agree – Shrag’s first album didn’t grab me either…too much yelling, I think. Their new one’s definitely an improvement – less shouting, more singing and melodicism. My favorite songs are the ones you mentioned, plus “Their Stats” and “When We Go Courting”.
It’s interesting to read in this interview:
http://soundsxp.com/artman2/publish/interviews/Shrag_interview.shtml
…that Shrag got nervous about not having *enough* shout-y parts and added more, kind of at the last minute. They should just follow their initial instinct and have more confidence in their songwriting abilities! I hope they’re not worried about critics thinking they’re becoming too accessible…
Shrag sound like a completely different band now, – with much more confidence. Trying to be something that you’re not, is never a good thing. Thanks for the interview-link.