Skiffling down a merry little path composed of 60s and 70s Western chivalry and psychedelic pop, Scottish quintet The Merrylees have managed to tie down a couple of knee shakers in this their latest double A-side single ‘For You/the Coroner’.
With a nucleus of intense brushing drums ‘The Coroner’ bursts and blooms at the seams before exploding into a powerful catchy chorus.
For a second, you would be forgiven for thinking you are in the middle of a fierce shootout in the 1960s TV dynasty series Rawhide such is the frenzied attack of guitars.
Opener ‘For You’ is a little more damning and reflective in contrast, but again; there is room for optimism with the use of jangly percussion and a beautiful brass section which transports an air of nostalgia and empathy into proceedings.
If The Merrylees can maintain this level of consistency over a full length record this year, then it would probably be a good idea to dig out the cowboy hats and jiving hips sooner rather than later.
Words: Chris Kelman
