‘Unchained Kiss’ is the third release by ‘pretty indie’ label Golden Mare Recording Co. Is it like the Red River Hog EP – AKA a ramshackle bop à la Half Man Biscuit and The Futureheads? Is it another (and unseasonal) “feelgood Halloween hit” like ‘The Forces of Evil’ single by The Adventures of Bert & Henry? No and no. Harvey & Webber lean towards seriousness and sophistication. Simone Webber is a poet, don’t you know, and all poets are wannabe rock stars. That’s a quote from Shakespeare, and no one can argue with the guvnor.
Over a heartily strummed and isolated electric guitar, James Harvey sings on the first verse, “Our gaze grew into hardened stares / Your kiss became a baited snare.” It sums up the visceral tone of the song and could double as a synopsis of 96% of Eastenders episodes. Here are some more lyrics randomly selected: “Nails grazing skin, sharp as spite”; “We drained our spirit”; “Our dreams cracked sharply”; “The arrows hurled, cut to the bone.” This is no wedding song contender.
There’s something quite Britpop about the way Harvey enunciates the word “line” on the chorus, but again, ‘Unchained Kiss’ is no 60s mockney swaggering tale about having it large while the sun shiiiiiiines. The vocals and drums gradually become more intense, and sinister plinky piano and distant harmonies enhance the overall sense of being thoroughly peeved. But you won’t be peeved by your purchase of ‘Unchained Kiss’, so treat yourself.
‘Unchained Kiss’ is out now via Golden Mare Recording Co.
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Review by Neil Laurenson
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