It’s all neat for The Neat T
HE Neat are, by all accounts, pretty neat.
An energetic four- piece from Hull, they’ve caught the eye of Frankie & the Heartstrings and their own label, Pop Sex Ltd.
A-: ot-& or- pro- t ve: t. re, Pop Sex aims to create new cultural experiences on Wearside while also taking emerging acts under their wing and helping to propel them to success.
Pop Sex’s most recent event, which saw The Futureheads play Sunderland Minster, raised the roof and now the label is throwing its weight behind a single launch for The Neat.
Heartstrings drummer Dave explains: “This is our second release on Pop Sex that isn’t by us. It’s gone from us meeting the band to ( fellow Heartstring) Mick recording them, to
latest creative venture from Sunderland- based Pop Sex Ltd has seen the label team up with a band who are making a name for themselves with their punchy beats and frenetic live performances. Katy Wheeler -: d2 o. t more. me sat in the house, stamping CDs. “It’s a very DIY project.” Pop Sex are promoting The Neat’s single, New Kids. Although the single launch will take place in the band’s home town, the single is available to buy online and also from Hot Rats in Stockton Road, Sunderland, for £ 5, from July 2.
Dave said: “The collaboration came about because we’ve played with them a few times and they’ve also supported The Kaiser Chiefs. The lead singer is this bag of mental energy, he looks like he’s just munched a jar of coffee every time you see him.
“He’s a complete oddball but he’s a great front man.
“Their music is very urgent. Mez’s lyrics are either the work of a madman or a genius, I can’t decide. But there are very few front men who genuinely captivate me.
“When he’s on stage he looks like he’s trying to make his head explode and the band look like they’re trying to damage their instruments, but it works.”
The Neat guitarist Mick said: “I’ve recently joined the band and this will be o. r - r2t 2+: gle relea2e w+ th the new line- up.
“We’re really looking forward to 2ee+: g the -: al d+ 2) a: d people62 reaction to it.”
Mick, who is joined on stage by lead singer Mez, Loz on bass and Rich on drums, added: “We describe our sound as controlled chaos, it’s energetic art rock. It’s been great working with Pop Sex. We went up to the North East to record the single and it’s been a great opportunity for us.”
You can catch The Neat live when they play The Cult Festival in Hoults Yard, Newcastle, which takes place from July 6 to 8.
Find out more about the band at www. tumblr. com/ tagged/ the+ neat