STORY BOOKS

Words by Ben Blackburn

Hailing from the Isle of Sheppey, located just off the north coast of Kent, Story Books stand as a young sextet who have ventured onto the mainland to share their evocative sound. Having already attracted the attention and support of undisputed tastemakers such as Huw Stephens and John Kennedy, Story Books are balanced around lead vocalist Kristofer Harris, who has developed a wealth of musical experience through his time as a touring musician for Laura Marling and Smoke Fairies. This experience, and obvious commitment, shines through Story Books’ sound, as Harris clearly runs through his music with a fine toothcomb, with every bar crafted with an elegant ease.

‘Pengerine’ was released as the band’s first demo, and it is a clear example of the beautiful intimacy that Harris has been able to weave into all of the bands tracks. The percussion on ‘Pengerine’ is somewhat remindful of Damien Rice or Stephen Fretwell, remaining loose while reflecting a great deal of the passion in the track. However it is Harris’ vocals that raise ‘Pengerine’ to a higher plane, as they guide the listener through the record with a warming heartache, reaching out to your soul and echoing with even the most suppressed emotional hurt that may still lurk in your being. While ‘Pengerine’ may revel in it’s own melancholy, the soaring guitars that interject in the track are designed to lift both the track and the listener, restoring a sense of hope and fight that saves us from the fate of the ever-wandering 'Pengerine'.
 
Story Books are set to release their debut single ‘All These Arrows’ on March 8th, and to celebrate the release the band will be playing a headline show at the Hoxton Hall in London. With the show reportedly having already sold half it’s ticket allocation, it’s no surprise that Story Books are already being tipped as a one to watch in 2012.

Today's tip comes courtesy of Chris from Pop Noodle Radar