Many teenagers sit broodingly in their bedrooms moaning that nobody listens to them – not the case with 17-year-old Archy Marshall. Already this nascent talent has gained attention with two monikers. Previously finding ears with Out Getting Ribs as Zoo Kid, he’s just released a self-titled debut EP under the new King Krule moniker, and tonight, he’ll be playing it in Trof Fallowfield.
His influences don’t fit the youthful naivety expected either – Gene Vincent, Tom Waits, and Chet Baker are favourites – making for a disparate mix incorporating Jazz, Dub, and Hip-Hop. These incongruent elements were put together in an inimitable way by Krule, initially using only a laptop with a knackered battery. His laconic delivery floats within sparse sprinkles of keys, washes of guitar reverb and double-bass samples.
The Noose Of Jah City (below) is drenched in a deliquescent atmosphere; its protagonist seems like a helpless soul resigned to ill-fate. Forlorn lyrics and a rich echo, add to the emotive textures working effortlessly. Despite the inauspicious signs it’s hard not to drift off into a state of drowsy contentment…
King Krule- The Noose of Jah City by truepanther
