Young British Artists - Small Waves [EP]

Red Deer Club

These days being branded a ‘Manchester band’ is more likely to mean the band in question formed in the city, rather than any of its members were actually being born there. Housing the largest student population in the country probably plays its part, as people from all over the world come to the city to study. For others though the draw is quite different, with Manchester’s rich musical history attracting many young Gallagher / Curtis / Morrissey (/Barlow?) wannabes. Whether it was this that brought the four young men who formed Young British Artists to Manchester or perhaps even a belief that, outside of London, Manchester presented more opportunities to young musicians looking to secure a record deal is unknown. What is known is that singer/bassist Leo Scott and keyboard player Simon Walker, friends since school near Carlisle, met guitarist Sebastian Mariner when they were at University together in Leeds. After forming a close friendship over [what else but] music, they moved to Manchester and formed Young British Artists along with drummer Ben Philips; a friend of Sebastian's from growing up just outside Brighton; and not a Tracey Emin or Damien Hurst in site.

Small Waves is their debut EP, and as impressive as it is – it sounds like a debut. That’s not intended as a criticism, far from it, but the four songs that make up Small Waves each sparkle with the kind of wide-eyed innocence, and undiluted fervour that bands find nigh on impossible to produce once they have been more fully exposed to, quite aptly quoting a famous Mancunian, “the filthiest business in the universe”. Opener, 'Bring the Sun' demonstrates this ardour perfectly, housing M83-sized soundscapes and a general air of “see that mountain over there? I could scale it with my music alone”. 'Ovation' shares the same impressive DNA, whilst 'White Sheet' covers you with gentle layers of Appleseed Cast at their most wistful. The band also call to mind Amusement Parks on Fire debut EP, clearly sharing a love for the same 80’s shoegaze bands (and why not?).

As the title tracks ebbs away it’s clear that although Young British Artists may be making small waves for now, forecasts rightly predict a tsunami. Do you really wanna swim against that tide?