Stark
Album: Where The Grey Slates Meet
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 3
Website: http://www.starkband.com/

Stark, who describe themselves as an "alternative folk power trio", have become known as one of Brighton's finest live acts, also gaining a reputation for their exciting performances at festivals up and down the country over the past two years. Even so, this is the first time I've come across them, and I'm very impressed. The lineup comprises Jamie Francis (guitars, lead vocals), Evan Carson (drums, vocals) and Josh "Rusty" Franklin (bass), but the instrumental palette on this, their second EP release, always feels much more varied than the above basic complement might indicate (for instance, much capital is made out of a rootsy banjo part on Circle Roads).

Together Stark demonstrate a punchy, well-defined and mature presence that at times quite strongly puts me in mind of Seth Lakeman (especially on Anger), but at the same time they're also more bluesy in tone, with a considered angst, and display a pronounced sense of dynamic contrast and texture. There's a good contrast between the three tracks too - all self-penned originals I suspect, although the package doesn't tell us - and the band has clearly developed a distinctive and exciting style all their own. I look forward to a full-length album, but meantime watch for them on tour during the year.

David Kidman