GALANTS – Lucky 7

LUCKY 7 is the feature where we ask artists to name their 6 favourite songs by others, and a lucky 7th song of their own…

Today, is the turn of a four piece post pop punk (alliterative and alternative) band from Dublin called Galants. They’ve got a debut 10″ EP called “Evergreen” coming out on Easy Action Records, the home of great reissues by Iggy Pop and T-Rex. FFO Husker Du, The Replacements, IRS era REM or Mission of Burma FFS what are you waiting for?

© Dan Butler Photography – All rights are reserved. My images may not be used or edited without my permission.

Easy Action have actually made an imprint to put out new music by new bands and it’s called Zen Ten which is apt given the “Zen Arcade” leanings of “Evergreen”. Here’s the cover art, which reminds me of long lost early 90s British alternative band Bivouac with its creepy natural history-ness.

Galants would have totally fitted at a Velvet Sheep live shindig like what we did (sic) in the early 20teens at Whitechapel gallery, cos they combine garage rock simplicity with earnest intelligence and tons of superfuzz bigmuff. They didn’t disappoint with their taste either – here are their ace Lucky 7 choices…

1. Swervedriver – Son of Mustang Ford
Probably Creation Records most under-looked band and one got unfairly shoehorned into that 90s shoegaze scene when they are so much more than that. Mega angular riffs and melody, the Swervies are just a truly great alternative rock band.

2. Yo La Tengo – You Tore Me Down
One of the greatest songs ever written and somehow achingly nostalgic. As soon as you hear that opening jangle everything immediately starts to feel a bit better.

3. Sparklehorse – Gold Day
So nonchalantly beautiful.  One of the most gifted songwriters of his time, sadly no longer with us but never to be forgotten.
4.   MC5 – Kick out the Jams
Raucous, angry heavy punk lads incorporating heft, swearing and wild guitar solos. Bang on.

5.  My Jerusalem – No One Gonna Give You Love
Dark, emotional, romantic and defiant. A little pinch to the heart.

6.  Teenage Fanclub – Star Sign
Any number of Fannies songs would do but this one in particular encapsulates everything they do so brilliantly. Timeless power jangle guitar pop for the ages. Long may they live on.

The Lucky 7th: Galants – Evergreen 

THANKS TO GALANTS AND TO CHARLIE WYATT FROM POPULAR FAVOURITES PR. BAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN BUTLER