When your band has a reputation for curating a festival dedicated to showcasing some of the finest new music, you have an unwritten duty to lead by example – and that’s exactly what Laurel Collective, the group behind the In The Woods festival have done with single They Hate Me, the first to be taken from their upcoming debut album Heartbeat Underground.
Without resorting to clichés like “genre-defying” and “fresh new sound”, it’s rather difficult to describe the quintet that is Laurel Collective. Heartbeat Underground is an experimental yet totally unpretentious pop album; upbeat percussion is juxtaposed by dark synth, sparse guitar riffs and frenzied sing-a-longs.
They Hate Me is a terrific example of the band’s ‘collective’ ethic, demonstrating each member’s individual talent, maintaining the power of the group as a whole, whilst showcasing the collective’s ability to spout blackly comical lyrics with a wild, cacophonous energy behind them.
Laurel Collective epitomise intelligent music at its best: a witty, diverse and modern take on the indie genre. They can be seen at the following live dates:
Tuesday 20th March, London, Electricity Showrooms (Residency)
Wednesday 21st March, Leeds, The Oporto
Thursday 22nd March, Manchester, Trof Fallowfield
Friday 23rd March, Sheffield, Bungalow & Bears
Saturday 24th March, Reading, Oakford Social Club
Tuesday 27th March, London Electricity Showrooms (Residency)
Tuesday 3rd April, London, Electricity Showrooms (Residency)
Tuesday 10th April, London, Electricity Showrooms (Residency)