Mary In The Junkyard announce debut EP with new track ‘Marble Arch’
Each year, there is always one act that cuts through the noise and rises to the top as the ultimate one to watch. Last year, it was undoubtedly The Last Dinner Party. Before that, acts like Black Country, New Road, English Teacher, or any number of exciting new acts that have come up through the UK’s ever-vibrant live scene were slowly fostering more and more attention. Spreading through word of mouth off the back of ear-catching live performances, Mary In The Junkyard appear to be 2024’s choice pick. So now’s the time to get involved so you can say you were a fan before they inevitably blow up.
As their reputation snowballed through gigs at the iconic new music venue The Windmill in Brixton, word of the band began to spread. For a year or so, they’ve been an if-you-know-you-know name, gathering a cultish following hooked in by Clari Freeman-Taylor’s unique vocals or the band’s merger of indie, grunge and dreamier shoe-gaze sounds.
When ‘Tuesday’ came out in October last year, that underground reputation was blown up to the surface, landing them on festival lineups and ones to watch lists everywhere.
Not only is Freeman-Taylor’s voice just unusual and beautiful, balancing a folkish tone with a distinct gruffness, but the world they weave in their hazy lyricism feels all-encompassing — almost hypnotising. It’s music you can put headphones on and disappear into, with later tracks like ‘Ghost’ and now ‘Marble Arch’ only expanding that feeling.
Bookers were clearly captivated too, as the band are already booked to play a string of festivals around the UK and Europe, obviously looking towards big things on the horizon. The first step, however, always has to be the first project.
Word of that came today as the band has announced their debut EP, This Old House, is set for release on 9th May. Featuring four tracks, including the previously released ‘Ghost’, they’ve now shared ‘Marble Arch’, another mesmerising cut.
As the vocals sit at the front of the mix, letting the lyricism shine through, nestled by their usual winding instrumentals, ‘Marble Arch’ reveals a sad story. A tale of sisterhood, lost connections and leaving home, the track grapples with feelings of isolation from complex relationships. Proving their worth not just as a gripping live group but as talented writers too, with each new track put on tape, the band show their potential more and more.
Released alongside a live session video of the track, the band are keeping a tight hold on their reputation and origin as darlings of the live scene. Clearly knowing their strengths and playing to them, if they keep this up, they’ll more than follow through on the hype that’s quickly surrounding them.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out New Music Newsletter
All the latest New Music from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.