"Old Britannia" takes its lyrical inspiration from lead singer Felix Bechtolsheimer's troubled adolescence- drug addiction, self-harm and the suicide of a close friend. It then sets it's dark subject matter to a sing-along melody that conjures up images of people swinging ale-filled tankards in the air. (Sample: "Take a little ride to the liquor store, hide your wrists like you did before from me... ba da da da")
In many ways it's an unsettling combination and it doesn't stop at the lyrics. There are the jaunty sounds of American Deep South, jangly guitars, shuffling snare, saloon-piano and even a banjo solo. However, this is is all set against Sigur Ros-style sweeping synths that create a brooding undertow.
This theme continues on the other tracks that make up this second single all taken from the album "We are Catfish". Without the more 'country' elements second track "Come on Jane" shows an almost sinister edge to with it's low-pitched vocals. There are elements of 80's synth-pop though the lead guitar line recalls a slower version of Blondie's "Atomic".
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On the final track "Down the River" the ghost-like backdrop is covered in rich, warm harmonies. Vocally, it sounds like a song that could have been sung by the slaves working on the banks of the Mississippi. It is a song built on hope in bleak circumstances, and a strong resolve to "Keep that dream alive". In-spite of the subject matter these songs never verge into the realm of self-indulgence and are certainly not bleak.
The mishmash of styles adds interest, but may well not be to everyone's taste, marrying genres perhaps a little too far removed from each other. Hey Negrita though certainly weave an enticing tale and give a new take on an intense theme.
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