As hot as a haggis chilli
Get set for the exciting debut album from Larkins, Manchester’s latest next big thing
LARKINS, heralded as Manchester’s next big band, will show us what they’ve got with their debut album next Friday.
Formed by school pals Josh Noble, now the frontman, and guitarist Dom Want, they brought in bassist Henry Beach and drummer Joe Gaskell to form Larkins. Here Dom tells all:
How was lockdown for you?
I think lockdown was just such an adjustment to everybody and I don’t think I’ll look back on it too fondly. I have such a mixed array of emotions about it all because on one hand it was incredibly productive and we finished our debut record. but it really took its toll mentally.
I think the vast majority of bands initially get into this because of the love of live music and to have that pulled away leaves you in a very weird place.
You played Glasgow earlier this month. How was that?
I honestly can’t even describe how much of a relief it is to be back out. We were apprehensive at the beginning but the crowds have just been mad. Almost feels for that hour like we’re back to some normality.
How many times have
you gigged up here before?
We’ve played shows in Scotland quite a few times. Last time we played Glasgow was on Halloween just before Covid hit and it was one of the maddest shows of the tour – we all wore Joker face paint. Other than that we’ve played a bunch of times in Edinburgh which is always a mad show and once in Dundee in the early days to like five people.
Can you remember your first Scottish gig?
I believe our first ever show in Scotland was a headline at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh...it’s absolutely tiny and the green room is the alleyway. But it’s always absolutely bouncing.
Did you partake of Buckfast and haggis when you were in Scotland?
We love a bit of Buckfast and actually I had a haggis chilli before our last Glasgow show and it was unreal. We always schedule a night out while we’re playing in Scotland, We always end up in Stramash when we’re in Edinburgh.
You are seen as the next big act from Manchester. Pressure or good shoes to fill?
We don’t feel any pressure. We just do what we do and make the music we wanna make. I don’t think we necessarily identify with the type of music that springs to mind when you think about Manchester but we can definitely appreciate the influence that some of these bands have had.
I grew up listening to Oasis and The Smiths but I’m just not interested in making music like that really. I think you get a lot of bands that get labelled as a “Manchester band” and it’s almost a genre within itself which is great but we’ve always strived to reach outside of our home town.
Have you a favourite Manchester band?
I’m gonna go rogue and say Elbow. So, so underrated and some of the most beautiful songwriting to come out of Manchester. We met Guy at the Dairy Studios in Brixton and were kinda starstruck for the first time ever. Super sweet guy, Guy.
You use a lot of synths, as do guitar bands from The 1975 to Biffy Clyro. Is that how rock is going?
Rock music will always be there. People need it and it will always cycle back around.
As soon as one form of music is popular there will be the antithesis of that sound gaining popularity on the other side. Music will always be a rebellion and a way of kids becoming their
own person and growing into themselves. I do kinda love the space that fits between those two sounds that the artists you mention have the ability to fill. I think we kinda strive to fit between genres.
You guys seem to be the Instagram kings?
Being active and approachable on our socials is so important to us. During lockdown the only way we could interact with people is through our socials so we tried to be as active as possible and chat to people as much as possible. Creating a community is kinda what it’s all about for us.
How excited are you about the release of JCOY?
We’re so hyped for it. It’s by far the most exciting thing we’ve ever done. We will also be releasing plans for our next set of dates as soon as we can. ●JCOY is out next Friday.