http://justhandshakeswerebritish.bandcamp.com/
You see some bands with truly, truly terrible names, some so bad that it puts you off listening even if the music ends up being pretty decent. For example, Cold Cave were supported last night by a band named DrumCunt, I've heard they are actually pretty decent but with a name like that I decided to stay in the pub and watch Real Madrid hand a lesson to Tottenham...
Another trend is the increasingly repetitive names you see, if you add 'Wolf', 'Crystal' or 'Club' you are guaranteed to at least get a mention in a hipster mag or two. Basically what those rambling sentences means is that it was really refreshing to see the unique and smirk inducing name of Just Handshakes (We're British) crop up in my mailbox...
I think the band have been around a while but their new EP was my introduction to the Leeds based group, as part of the 'New Adventures in Pop' series (released April 18th via Elefant Records - buy) it is four tracks offering short and concise indie pop greatness; absolutely perfect for a day like today with clear blue skies, Just Handshakes distinctively cute and sunny sound will brighten up an already glorious day with their fun and playful sound, just like music should be (well sometimes).
Lead singer Clara possesses a distinct, dreamy gorgeous voice that might split the mainstream crowd but I really like it, see "Falling Over Our Fear" for a sample of their honey-sweet sound with jaunty, jangling guitars lines and an infectious sing-along chorus it's another slice of C86 revival pop. I think "Downward Spiral" is probably the highlight, sticking with same melodic guitar led formula, embedded by a wonderfully catchy synth, you can just picture yourself having a dance in a field on a warm summers day to this. In Glastonbury this June perhaps?
Listen:
FALLING OVER OUR FEAR by Just Handshakes
DOWNWARD SPIRAL by Just Handshakes
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