The 1930s cite the likes of Johnny Flynn and Mumford and Sons as influences, but as our panel found, there is a punkier edge to their folky sound that make this Antrim band a very intriguing proposition indeed.
Ben Sunderland: Forget the 1930s, these guys are bang up to date and in your face. An awesome, clean and chirpy plateful of tunes, with a helpful garnish of thoughtful lyrics, bashed about my ears when I plugged these guys in and it greatly met with my approval. A strong formula, roughly based around the relationship between confident jumping drums and a refreshing acoustic section provides ample bedrock for the deliciously undisguised Irish brogue to sail comfortably through on top. A varied selection of tracks available across both Bandcamp and Myspace demonstrates a healthy variation in the band’s set whilst not deviating too far from their formula for good music- suggesting a rather must-see live performance is on the cards. Common similarities might be made with other Northern Irish established mainstream acts but there’s a distinction here that comfortably leads me to suggest that rather than these guys being stuck in the past, they’ll instead be creating new waves all of their own in the future.
Emma Dalby Bowler: Ah Snow Patrol. How you cast a shadow over Belfast indie. The 1930s I’m a Vapour has a lovely jaunty jangliness, but How Things Change does that awful over-emotive vocal breathiness that makes me want to HURT Gary Lightbody until I can’t hurt him anymore. Just when you think it can’t get any worse the guitar starts doing a Goo Goo Dolls type thing, and I’m ready to hurt anybody that comes within range. Luckily Break My Heart calms me down with great vocals and a handclapping intro. All These Things is a nice if unexciting tune, and I’m left with the thought that if they can steer away from attempting stadium-fillers, we might get some very nice songs here.
Alice Sage: The 1930s have a jangly, listenable vocal style, hand-clap percussion and racy guitars. If you like the likes of Marmaduke Duke or Idlewild, in their sweeter, more dancey moments, you will like this. The lyrics are simple and punk-lite – which is fair enough, as I’d categorise their sound similarly. It’s very likeable, very listenable – with a clean, rough-around-the-edges, pacy nature. The footstomping, chant-a-long Break My Heart has the sweetest chorus and so gets two thumbs up from me.
Check out the 1930s for yourselves on their website here.
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