Huguenots - Heyford (Remastered 2021)

by Julie Cruickshank

published: 23 / 8 / 2021

Label: Huguenots
Format: CDS

Delightful slice of post-punk indie pop with shades of Americana showcased in British band Huguenots’ re-issued and remastered EP. REVIEW Huguenots are the London-based duo of singer-songw

Review

Delightful slice of post-punk indie pop with shades of Americana showcased in British band Huguenots’ re-issued and remastered EP. REVIEW Huguenots are the London-based duo of singer-songwriter Bayly Pike and multi-instrumentalist Tom Fleming, who garnered kudos in their previous band King of Spain. Their new EP, ‘Heyford’ was originally released in 2014 and has been newly mixed and remastered by Rowland Prytherch. The band count us in to first track ‘Get Back To Me’, a pleasingly harmonious bluegrass-style fusion of mandolin and banjo. ‘Boom Boom Times’ lyrically and vocally calls to mind Squeeze, a sweetly awkward love song wrapped in a general reflection of the intricacies of relationships, enhanced by the charming use of a toy xylophone. ‘Beehive’ raises a glass to the sanctuary, solace and community spirit of a much-loved pub: “In the Beehive/Where my honey lies/Minor celebrities and labradors/Pretty bar staff we all adore/Pour me a Pride and let me hide away.” Banjo-led, harmonica adding to the upbeat feel, this is a terrific track. ‘Easy Loving’, an acoustic guitar-led paean to the simple happiness of harmony in life and love, has a lazy, hazy Sunday morning feel, and closing track ‘The Way Around Your Heart’ is a kind of bluesy shuffle, electric guitar to the fore, a love song with a London accent. An entertaining EP from an accomplished pair of musicians, ‘Heyford’ is an engaging listen and a great introduction to the quirky music and lyrics of Huguenots.