Iglu & Hartly - Violent And Young

The improbably named Iglu & Hartly are actually a five piece from Los Angeles who have been making waves as a result of their performance at this years SXSW festival. There is a definitive ‘buzz’ about them at present and they will soon be embarking on a mini UK tour.

‘Violent & Young’ is their UK debut and it’s a strange combination of Eminem meets 80’s synth pop meets a slightly red neck version of The Beastie Boys. At first glance DIY was very sceptical, but give this song a chance and soon it’s a grower of great proportions. The central melody is memorable as well as being kind of sweet and the rapping has an energy and personality which contrasts well with the more pop orientated chorus.

Both Jarvis Martin and Sam Anderson acquit themselves admirably as rappers/singers and there is personality and energy in abundance. that bands in the past such as The Bloodhound Gang turned into a dreadful parody. Iglu & Hartly seem to give a shit, this song is confident and this is grounded in some intriguing and rather marvellous song writing. Watch out for this group.