Perhaps people’s perceptions of an Irish indie-folk four-piece have been overshadowed by bands such as Of Mice & Men and Mumford & Sons as a result of their traditional music roots growing long and thick through the surface of a mainstream circus.
But, thanks to Raglans‘ new single ‘Lady Roll Back the Years‘, the chance to say ‘fear not’ is apparent due to the sheer ferocity and formidable zeal that comes packaged within the group.
“It’s folk, it’s indie, its revivalist blues,” says singer Stephen Kelly, who cites Bob Dylan and The Beatles as key songwriting influences, which perhaps fits the mould of the band’s sound, which could be characterized as a raw and unrefined combo of lackadaisical acoustics and hazed out riffs; that gritty, distorted dreamy indie-folk aura, found throughout their debut.
This particular tune is encompassed by the driving dynamism of acoustic guitars played like electric guitars, if the strings were made of barbed wire and not nylon. It introduces slowly in an anthemic fashion, but soon builds up preparing to either break the listener’s heart and burn what’s inside, or provide recovery from being beaten to the bone in a mosh-pit of people singing until their lungs suffocate.
It’s an excellent example of how melody when utilized correctly behind a wall of stop-start triggers can provide power and pride in all who listen closely. Never getting too caught up in the folk genre, it marches along in a distinctly British fashion – despite their origins – giving the band’s overall appeal some attitude and anarchy as well as offering an opportunity to touch the soft spot in this heartfelt, hardcore composition.
(Ryan Walker)
