Another hot new Manchester-based band put their spin on the Indie/Brit-rock genre.
Autokat's 2005 year's debut, 'The Driver' saw the seven-inch single sell out in double-quick time and received rave reviews - not to mention, earn the Manchester quartet the prestigious title of 'Single of the Week' from both the Rough Trade shop and The Independent newspaper. However, not content to rest on their laurels, the band return this month with the double A-side, 'Dish Out/Get Off The Bar' on Acoustik Anarkhy Recordings.
'Dish Out' opens with driving guitars that gently urge the track on, aided by the addictive melodies of chief songwriter John Allen's vocals. Simplistic and repetitive as the indie/Brit-rock sound of this song is, you can't help but like it that little bit more with every play through, as long periods of fresh sounding, post-rock guitars punctuate the vocals to give Autokat an intelligent and experimental edge that many of their contemporaries lack. Meanwhile, 'Get Off The Bar' cranks it up a little; but whilst still exploiting their penchant for experimental sound that culminate in guitars soaring to a crescendo, they manage not to lose the impact of their catchy melodies.
With a new wave of exciting, Manchester-based rock acts, only time will tell if Autokat continue to make the grade, but considering the success of their debut, and the serious potential displayed in this latest release, the odds look good.