ZapTown

Haunted Stereo
On A Pin (single)
Sotones Records
Rating: 3 out of 5

Links:

Haunted Stereo on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hauntedstereomusic
And their homepage: http://hauntedstereo.co.uk/
SoTones Records: http://www.sotones.co.uk/

Not calling the single a “single,” Haunted Stereo consider the release a “double A-side” release. Regardless of the species, it will be released on May 17^th. Spooky  experimental alt-folk ensemble from across the lake, this time the Mediterranean beachfront property of Southampton, England. This of course an inaccurate description of the city. I digress.

Haunted Stereo, a 6-piece group (how the hell do you fit 6 people with folk instruments on a stage?). According to their Facebook page, they have been creating and playing since 2007; and as evidenced by their release, have been doing it rather well. Only 2 songs on the release, but its chock full of goodness. “Lock the Doors,” borrowing a hint of a groove from the Peter Gun theme, and filling in the spaces with strings and thin vocals, is atmospheric and sultry. The male vocalist reminds me ever-so-slightly of Thom Yorke of the virtually unknown act Radiohead. Country-lounge music with dynamic hoe-down breakdowns, with absolutely no twang. That’s what makes much of American folk, country, and bluegrass shitty- the southern twang on vocals. Its so very refreshing to hear folk with no twang.

The other A side, (whatever), “On a Pin,” features female lead vocals. Violins, plucky banjo arpeggios, plinking pianos and warm drums picking up halfway through the track. The vocal breakdown at about 3 minutes in is just downright pretty without getting into Enya territory. Thankfully.

Very interesting listen, would very like to see them if they ever sail across the lake. Looking forward to more releases.

RIYL: The Builders and the Butchers, Pogues