The Wytches, Annabel Dream Reader Review

Since forming in 2011 The Wytches have designed themselves to be different. It all started when lead singer Kristian Bell decided to switch an 'i' to a 'y' making the band easier to find on Google and just to be a bit weird. The Peterborough three piece have set out to be the hardest psych band in the UK, putting The Horrors and Temples into a playpen while The Wytches try their hand on debut album Annabel Dream Reader.

From the early era Pixies start of Digsaw it is clear that The Wytches aren't here for you to politely nod along, Kristian Bell is making music for the 'goth' teens to mosh to. With screeching lyrics and soaring guitars Digsaw is begging you to punch the kid next to you. Some of the songs on ADR keep up this head banging purism such as Fragile Male and Gravedweller, the latter of which reminds me of Drenge's fascination with feedback and being hard as nails. All good albums know you must have light and shade, and The Wytches can manage this expertly. Tracks like Wide at Midnight and Weights and Ties prove that the three know their ways around instruments, the slowed down monolithic sounds are as dark as they are beautiful.

There is a serious issue with Annabel Dream Reader, and that comes directly from lead singer Bell. Despite his haunting screeches and wails he cannot write lyrics for the life of him. Some of the biggest crimes lyrically come from Fragile Male in which he croons you must be a dancer, cos you're dancing in me. I don't want this to affect me but it really does, for music that sounds so fantastic at points the lyrics make me feel uncomfortable. On the fantastic Summer Again which is relaxed and is taking reference from everyone from Arctic Monkeys to Gnarwolves is ruined by bum lyrics like you climbed up my jeans, we wept for each other.

The Wytches are a live band. They do breakdowns better than almost anyone at the moment and their music has been perfected for the dingy club to thrash to. Kristian Bell has created a band with a striking aesthetic which is already creating a cult like following amongst the darker teens of today. Their promise is infinite when looking at the final cut Track 13 which is a slow ballad where caterwauling works so perfectly you wonder where The Wytches have been all your life. Just sort out the lyrics and you've got another huge Brit band.