I had a feeling I would dig this two-track single from London's Hey Negrita, based upon nothing more than them being named after a Rolling Stones song. Marvelously, this childish assumption proved to be spot on. To be honest, I'm surprised this is the first we've crossed paths, as based on this single they're so up my alley they're practically giving me an enema.
'Rope' is a familiar-sounding slice of country-fried rock and roll. The superbly named Felix Bechtolsheimer, an Englishman who transplanted himself to the Deep South in search of a better way and songwriting inspiration, has a vocal style resembling late-period Joe Strummer (a true compliment) while the band conjure up a spirited gallop that reminds one of Wilco and proves a perfect compliment to the dark and detailed lyrics.
The b-side, a remix of 'Rope' by the mighty Alabama 3, is perhaps even better. Outfitting the lonesome harmonica riff with oh-so-90's beats and a deep and dirty dub bassline, it's a fantastic racket that would have fitted in perfectly on Primal Scream's 'Vanishing Point'.
Based on this single, I look forward to checking out more from Hey Negrita and no doubt stockpiling their records for my next whiskey and loneliness binge.
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