Here we have a song desperate for a long, hot British summer. Manchester sextet The Travelling Band have made a name for themselves locally with a relentless gigging schedule and have reduced Michael Eavis to a servile sycophant. You can see why he was charmed.
‘Desolate Icicle’ is folk pop that just wants to give you a hug. If you can succeed at being nice without being sickly, then you’re getting it right. Couple this with a chorus that sticks in your head from the first listen and you have a great pop song on your hands. These guys sing well when they sing together, like a little twee choir. During this song, on several occasions I suddenly can’t help but think of Soul Asylum’s ‘Runaway Train,’ even though on the whole it sounds totally different.
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There’s a similar charm to The Coral in their early days – a conventional pop song that makes you feel a little happier. ‘Desolate Icicle’ optimistic folk-pop in the way Neil Young makes you smile. It’s not about making the most original music in the world, in fact this stripped down acoustic single makes think of having your summer holidays in the 1960’s. But in our gloomy times it’s nice to know that some glasses are still half full. The Travelling Band will be returning to Glastonbury this year, so even if it pisses it down for the duration, we can all guarantee at least a glimmer of sunshine.
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