By: Leanne Mumby

Rocky in sound, and incorporating electro; the fusion mix works fantastically when proliferated by this Reading seven-piece.

Born in 2008, A Genuine Freakshow has already done the festival thing and embarked on a UK tour – surprising they are yet to hit my radar.

New single, Hopscotch Machine Gun Madness is their second from debut album Oftentimes. It takes a couple of listens but it’s intricate, laden with hooks and catchier than an STI.

The single comprises ‘Freakshow frontman, Timothy Sutcliffe (it does sound like a menacing serial killer name) having a vocal battle with Hatty Taylor from fellow Readingers Vienna Ditto. The vocal battle is a unique touch and enlightened idea from two southern DIY bands aiming to create something different. Two competent singers bounce off each other to good effect; making for one of those annoying songs I’m having trouble shaking.

There’s a bit of Kate Nash in there courtesy of Taylor but low-fi guitars, cute descant string sections and a poetic, sickly sweet melody line just slightly offsets the fact its laden with mainstream vomitry. It makes for a chartworthy piece if ever I heard one.

Based on this work, and some light peripheral reading and listening, A Genuine Freakshow is a strong tip as ones to watch this year.

www.agenuinefreakshow.com