Scarlet Harlots - Word Is Bone Back Is Strong

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4...according to our Brian on Wed 15 Apr, 2009.

I was expecting this Scarlet Harlots single to be absolutely fucking awful judging by their dismal performance on some indie band competition which I watched, comically hungover, with my friend Charlotte who is, truth be told, a bit of a harlot. They were being judged by master cheese obsessive Alex James and the utterly banal spunk bubble Jo Whiley. Thing is, this motley crew have managed to produce quite a racy, catchy blend of styles on debut 7" 'Secret'. It's kind of urban jump-up indie with zinging trebly guitars, flailing drums & sorta chanty MC style vocals that'd probably appeal to fans of Forward Russia, Foals & Vampire Weekend and I can't actually find anything at all offensive about it. It sounds quite itchy & excitable actually, which is a good thing and the sleeve is pretty hot too. A total surprise from this spotty bunch! Limited and all that.

Word is Bone, Back is Strong', the debut EP by Birmingham bad-boy punk-steppers Scarlet Harlots is to be released by 'Cut and Come Again' on 13th April.

The four track EP will be available digitally from all online retailers and will feature live favourites ‘A Secret’, ‘Benefits’, ‘Backlash’ and ‘Porcelain’.

Part one of a two part limited edition vinyl set will be available from selected record shops on the same day featuring ‘A Secret’ and ‘Benefits’, followed by ‘Backlash’ and Porcelain’ in the summer.

Typical of the Harlots’ penchant for documenting and celebrating the contradictions, vanity and struggles of modern existence, the EP spins Morrissey / Wildean yarns of cross dressing, prostitution, knife crime and beauty – adding lyrical anchors to a rich genre spanning soundscape.

The band, whose sonic aim is to combine elements of Drum ’n’ Bass, Garage and Dub Step within their sound while still retaining the principles of legendary guitar bands like The Smiths and Gang of Four, have just finished recording with Sheffield crossover producer and DJ Toddla T for forthcoming releases.

The Scarlets have also recently been blessed by the remix skills of bass heavy DJ, Raffertie.

The tune ‘Backlash’ has been given a makeover by the ‘Bigger Than Barry’ club night resident and was played on air during a Mini Mix by influential Radio 1 DJ Mary Anne Hobbs. Remixes of Scarlet Harlots tunes can be found on their Facebook page, including a reworking of ‘In The Garden’ by Chris James.

“We’re all really into different stuff as a band, which is what I think gives us our own identity,” says Sam. “Our music and the way we play it, lends itself to remixes and Raffertie has done a fantastic, darker remake of Backlash.

“We hope to work with more producers in the future as it gives a fresh perspective to a song and can take us as a band into completely new territories.”

The 7" vinyl is available from: Rough Trade (London), Pure Groove (London), Beggar’s Banquet (London), Reflex (Newcastle), Avalanche (Edinburgh), Rounder Records (Brighton), Swordfish (Birmingham), Piccadilly (Manchester), Spillers (Cardiff), File Under Records (Tokyo), Norman Records (Leeds) and more to be confirmed.

To celebrate the launch of ‘Word is Bone, Back is Strong’, The Rainbow in Birmingham is holding an age 14+ Easter Monday Party (13th April) which is part of a mammoth nationwide tour as well as a pre-launch party at The Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, London on 8th April.

The night is presented by Bigger Than Barry and see a live performance from Yelps and DJ sets from Raffertie, Dutty Webslinga and Tomb Crew.

To hear the latest songs, check tour dates and see footage of live performances by Scarlet Harlots, go to www.myspace.com/thescarletharlots and for remixes, find the band on Facebook.

“Their boisterous charm, inventive yet impulsive timing and acidic delivery of front man Sam Baylis all ensure a meteoric rise to the very top.” The Fly

“I thought you were gonna be good before you even picked up an instrument.” Murf, The Wombats