Nice little slice of intensely chilled Americana, from Falkirk collective Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo, here featuring Louise Ward from Martha and the Moodies on the first single from LP Pigs in the Bull Ring (Humans Like Beasts).
It’s yearning, heartfelt stuff with delicately picked melodies shoring up the girl and boy, country-ish vocals.
Aptly for this time of year perhaps, the lyrics request being held in the protagonist’s arms, “like a criminal,” adding a certain, unusual frisson to an otherwise valentine-tastic emote.
There’s an otherness about it all; something slightly (and agreeably) sinister that shifts it about ten degrees to the left of any cliche.
If in any doubt, a hand grenade features at one point; that’s love for ya.
It doesn’t pull up a vast swathe of trees, but it’s attractive and easily drifts into your ears, swirls about a bit then exits leaving a glow; a glow with a touch of menace.
Killer cover too.
Words: Andrew Morrison
