Lapels - Painted Skeletons / Last Great Civilisation

The Lapels' is the first release on Wakefield label Philophobia Music. The EP starts with promising piano intro for title track painted skeletons, then comes the raw Strokes/Libertines style guitars with a vocal that combines Radio 1-esque indie with hints of Doherty, Jarvis Cocker and perhaps Lou Reed. With that written description it really sounds like it should work, but in reality you just can't be sure! Sometimes there's only a fine line between genius and crap, and this music seems to balance on the line perfectly. The final track Last Great Civilisation is more energetic, less droney with a vocal sounding worryingly like Jamie T for a Wakefield band. This track like the first one, would improve for being a tad shorter and better arranged. Anyone looking for a fresher, rawer edge to their indie should give Lapels a listen, although trying to figure out whether it's any good could leave you banging your head against the nearest wall.