Tuesday 22nd June 2010 @ Louisiana, Bristol
With Support From: Scarlet Rascal And The TrainWreck

Leeds based trio Sky Larkin were in sunny Bristol to sort out some business. While in town they decided to play music at the Louisiana. To get ready for the release of their new album, Kaleide on Wichita records, the place was decked out with artwork that came courtesy of designer Jack Hudson. Extra lights were moved in to make the evening a special gig for Sky Larkin. Although it was a bit last minute, the people of Bristol turned out to wish them well.

Support came in the form of established Bristol band Scarlet Rascal And The TrainWreck who have been keeping somewhat quiet recently, however, they were definitely not quiet tonight. Working with new additions of bass and rhythm guitar they rattled through a confident set of new material. Fuzzy faces and fuzzy guitars are a must unless you are drummer Maya Indelicato whose tight pounding beats were the definitive backbone of the outfit. She Lives In A House was the first treat for the ears with some Jack White-style song writing. Singer Luke Brookes demanded attention as he performed, sporting stylish attire and a voice that switched between Faris Badwan and Lou Reed effortlessly. More backing vocals were welcome in the new line-up, especially on songs such as Born To Experiment where a well timed ‘Hey!’ was the icing on an already delicious jammy cake. Look for new things happening in the near future from them.

Sky Larkin were in a typical upbeat mood, especially as they are in a city singer/guitarist Katie Harkin enjoys for the gardens and hot air balloons. Using the gig to play material from their new release did not disappoint. Title track Kaleide made an appearance featuring guitars that flip from mushy riffs to lush chordal harmonies. Katies’ voice soars over everything, the lyrical hooks make it ideal for the leading single. Their casual approach to the gig was evident by song intros being pulled together initially but tightened up when drummer Nestor Mathews joined in with his relentless enthusiastic pounding of his kit. Song starts were tighter by the mid point.

Douglas Adams kept textures varied with dynamic bass playing and swapping to synth for some numbers. Former cassette single Antibodies was also a highlight of the night. Sky Larkin’s sound is the perfect mix of twee niceness and grungy rawness. A huge range of influences are evident from the Queens Of The Stone Age riffage and heartfelt pop lyrics. Definitely worth seeing these guys as their tunes will rush through you and leave you foot stomping and loving life.

www.weareskylarkin.com

Chris Mulligan