Neu Areca Grove

: Charlie Wheately, Robert Eyres, Joe Fergey
Based: East London
Listen: Soundcloud.com/areca-grove
Similar to: Joy Division, Real Estate

Are Editors due a new record out any time soon? If not, perhaps Interpol are? The reason I ask is because there are a growing number of bands emerging who incorporate the former’s brooding and handsome vocals whilst applying the dark pop sensibilities of the latter’s prime material. Take for example Areca Grove, an upcoming three-piece who were recently branded by the NME as “early ‘80s Dunedin sound [sprinkled] with a touch of the Calvin Johnsons”. To put that in layman’s terms, Areca Grove are basically what a new Morrissey record would sound like if he gave a shit about becoming relevant again, flailing around in the studio at least three metres away from the mic.

They are Charlie, Robert and Joe and their first single ‘Colour Test’ is due for release on 6th October by the very intriguing label Good Oscillations. The curiosity is due to the fact that this is the new label of another dark pop London band Omi Palone, who describe these teens as being “at that exciting and awkward age where every decision is an experiment”. Let’s hope they keep experimenting then, as ‘Colour Test’ is a haunting and mesmerizing track that sounds like it wants to burst into life like a jangly surf pop track, but is instead suppressed into an education it doesn’t desire by a father who only wants the best for his child. The result? A brooding and mysterious teen angst anthem disgused as a really good Toy b-side. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream Areca Grove, ‘Colour Test’ below: