Listen: Kagoule – “Encave”

Kagoule are an unsigned Nottingham-based trio who have been touring all around the country, releasing music and merch with eerie artwork, and creating raucous and barbarous music for the last few years.

“Encave” is the first track released by the band this year, and it’s a more than perfect (and especially heavy) return. With its galloping 6/8 signature the tune is sonically American, sounding equally sharp and fuzzy. It’s a tough-skinned track with a grungey flavour, but holds sophisticated attention to accentuate the harsh guitar riffs that are well accompanied by a robust rhythm section. The lyrics, which deal with the illusive safety of isolation, are inundated by the blood-filled stream of guitar riffs, yet the dejected chorus is vigorous and sensual with male/female vocal interplay. It’s a loud, vibrant return for Kagoule, and certainly the prequel for good things to come.

Kagoule play London’s Lock Tavern Festival on 17 April. For this year’s Record Store Day (19 April), they will perform at the Nottingham Contemporary.