Album Review: Little Fish - Baffled and Beat

Oxford's Little Fish's brand of garage rock could easily be described being built around Juju Sophie's husky, passionate voice. Throughout 'Baffled and Beat' Sophie's vocals takes charge whilst Nez Greenaway's drum work provides the backdrop, but subtly controls Sophie's delivery from going out of control; during 'Darling Dear' you get the impression that Juju may just squeal her head. The same can be said for 'Bang! Bang!'.

Elsewhere 'Heroin Dancer' 'Luck's Run Out' and 'Baffled And Beat' provide more calmer moments; the former two are slow, airy and sees the band show maturity as songwriters and musicians. While the latter has plenty of attitude, with a vintage acoustic punk rock and comparisons to PJ Harvey quickly come to mine when you hear Sophie's voice.

This old school sound props up throughout; 'Die Young' sounds like The White Strips with Joni Mitchell albeit more rocky and (slightly) twisted. Whilst 'Hallelujah' is stripped down, with just Sophie's jangly guitar and voice and the closing 'Sorry State' wallows with its simple acoustic guitar and beat, but its light, positive vibe provides a favourable conclusion.

There is no doubt Juju Sophie is a confident performer and as a whole, Little Fish manage to showcase their talents in a strong light, whilst at the same time they don't strain themselves from crossing into other genres. Instead they stick with what they know, and do it well. Although some tracks can be quickly forgotten, its the bands talent that wins here, as their songwriting, though at times very admirable, comes second here.

3.5/5

'Baffled and Beat' by Little Fish is released on August 16th via Custard/Island Records.

Download a free song, 'Baffled and Beat' here.

Little Fish on MySpace

Sean Reid