Every fast-rising, exciting guitar band worth their salt wants to work with Yala! Records. Set up in 2017 by ex-Maccabees guitarist Felix White alongside friend Morad Khokar, the label and club night has become a magnet for indie kids who, far from wanting to relive the mid-‘00s highs, are intent on breaking new ground. Just this year, it’s hosted the likes of visceral trio Yak, political punks Idles and Brighton four-piece The Magic Gang.
Coventry four-piece FEET instantly stood out at the turn of 2017 with debut track ‘Petty Thieving’. Combining jangly guitars with a cocksure mentality, it’s a hot-footed, fidgety introduction. There are hints of Maccabees, but you can also hear nods to New York pen pals Parquet Courts, or the jive of early Vampire Weekend.
Besides a handful of UK shows, however, FEET remain a relatively mysterious force. Yala! are lifting the lid with an exclusive new session, which sees the Midlanders performing two tracks (while wearing kimonos and audacious sunglasses, naturally). First, ‘Macho Macho’ subverts masculinity into a dark, driven, tightly-wound beast.
But it’s the previously-released ‘Petty Thieving’ which stands out. Vocalist George Haverson swings pendulum-like from gristly chants to soft-centred choruses. And while they might look ridiculous in those kimonos, FEET want to exist anywhere outside of middle ground.
On December 1 Yala! Records’ hosts Yak, Raf Rundell, When Young and Nadine Shah (DJs) at Bermondsey Social Club, London. Tickets are sold out.