Mermaidens.
On the follow-up to Undergrowth, the guitar and bass interplay of Gussie Larkin and Lily West is darker and more complex and underpinned by Abe Hollingsworth’s drums.
Take Sunstone, on which not-quite-sunny, chiming guitars suddenly turn into a squall of distortion before the track rides out on an unsettling offbeat and the ethereal harmonies of Larkin and West; or the production gumption of Mind Slow, on which muffled drums and bass are offset by glistening, snaking electric guitar; or the aptly named Smothering, which employs a pulsating, detuned bass to claustrophobic effect.
• Mermaidens. Perfect Body. Flying Nun.
• Four stars (out of five)
Single download: Perfect Body
For those who like: Subliminals, PJ Harvey
— Shane Gilchrist
