Ivy's Itch

This was a review I was looking forward to as this Oxford based act have garnered a very strong reputation on the live circuit thanks to their extremely flamboyant image. First up on this two track single is the title song “Dear Sweet Aveline” which instantly grabs the attention thanks to a strong, unusual bass line. The vocals prove to be raw and intentionally sloppy giving an almost live feel and at times there are similarities to The Noisettes, without being as polished. The guitars kick in half way through this wall of eclectic sound but somehow it all doesn't seem to quite gel.

The second of the two tracks here is “Snake Oil”, a cool name for a song but it starts off with a very messy intro before spoken lyrics and heavier grinding guitars join the fray. Whilst this may work well in a live setting it just doesn't seem to happen on CD.

Ivy's Itch have an album in the offing due out later this year so it will be interesting to hear how the band develop in the interim. There is potential here for sure but this single wont help them in the long run and should, could have been a lot better.

Contact: www.myspace.com/ivysitch

Track Listing

Dear Sweet Aveline
Snake Oil

Line Up

Eliza Gregory - Vocals/Guitars
Jimmy Hetherington - Guitars
Jo Reid - Bass
Thom Faulkner - Drums