“First impressions matter.” People always say that. And it has to be true – to some degree at least…If you’re a musician you’re supposed to make a lasting statement.
Well, Luke Chester and Richard Smith (who are guitarists and vocalists), Harry Drakes (a bassist), and Troy Hutchinson (a drummer) have done just that. They’re in a Grimsby/Cleethorpes band called Just Mammals. My first impression of them was through their song, ‘Up All Night’…and it was a good one.
With a serene guitar beginning, the playful drums are quick to interject and kick start the rapid tempo; the percussion speeds through the striking riffs and thick bass lines. The vocals are typically indie and irresistibly exciting, elevating the restless mood of the rhythm, with words like:
I’ll be the one who’s gonna take you out tonight.
Talking of “staying up all night” it’s got a happy-go-lucky feel that is embedded into your mind like words carved on stone. Just listen to it and try to get it out of your head afterwards…
‘Happy’, the band’s debut single, will be released tomorrow under The Online Festival label, Hourglass Recordings, but I’ve had the pleasure of listening to the song and it is… happy in the truest sense of the word. I have to say I can literally feel the bass buzzing through my fingertips as I type this, so the bass lines are notably dominant. But the tune is upbeat and the jaunty riffs are mischievous in a vulnerable sort of way, creating an innocence and aloofness within the melody. And though the song is a simple three minutes with humble structure, the lyrics are resonant of (a punk) Beatles in their more up-tempo tracks: less is more, as the easy musical development and acute lyrics are the perfect way to create a climatic quality with unyielding power.
The acoustic version is the perfect summer soundtrack with chirpy guitar strums; the hooks are more liberated and floating and it has a romantic quality. Lovely spin to the song…
I’ve also listened to the acoustic version of ‘On Your Own’, which is the B-side to ‘Happy’. And it has a distinctively dreamy aesthetic. It’s intricately and delicately woven with crystal guitars. The smooth vocals harmonize beautifully with the sweet melody… And there’s an eloquence about the music and the words that still maintains the rough-and-tumble charm of Just Mammals.
I hear they’re a fantastic band live and I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m excited to see what they do next, and I’m excited for the official release of ‘Happy’ as well!
Anyway, this site will be updated with Just Mammals stuff in the future, but for now…
be sure to follow them @JustMammals and LIKE their Facebook page.
Enjoy!
XOR
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