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Indie Basement: New music from Sleaford Mods, Crooked Man, Shaking Hand
In the often-quiet post-holiday lull of January, the indie music world refuses to hibernate, delivering a slate of new releases that feel like a defiant, energizing shot of espresso. Leading the charge are the ever-incendiary Sleaford Mods, whose new album isn't just another collection of Jason Williamson's barked socio-economic dispatches over Andrew Fearn's minimalist beats.This time, they’ve woven in a fascinating tapestry of guest voices, a move that expands their sonic palette without diluting their corrosive essence. The inclusion of Aldous Harding’s haunting, enigmatic folk and the spoken-word artistry of Life Without Buildings’ Sue Tompkins adds layers of surreal contrast, while an appearance from actor Gwendoline Christie hints at the duo's creeping influence beyond the music press and into broader cultural consciousness.It’s a calculated evolution, reminiscent of when The Fall would subtly shift their sound with each new lineup—a testament to an act confident enough to challenge its own formula while the core message remains blisteringly intact. Meanwhile, from the shadows of Sheffield’s rich electronic history, Crooked Man makes a triumphant return.For those who’ve followed the threads, Crooked Man is the alias of Richard Barratt, a foundational figure as DJ Parrot and one-half of the brilliantly quirky All Seeing I. His new work is a masterclass in deep, soulful house music that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary.It carries the DNA of the Warp and FON Records era—that distinctly Northern English blend of mechanical funk and melancholic melody—but polished for a modern dancefloor that craves substance over sheer noise. It’s the sound of a veteran producer reminding everyone of the genre's emotional core, a welcome counterpoint to more disposable trends.Then, from Manchester, a city whose musical identity is built on reinvention, comes the post-rock-inflected trio Shaking Hand. Their sound is a different kind of energy: less caustic than Sleaford Mods, less four-to-the-floor than Crooked Man, but equally vital.They channel the sprawling, instrumental tension of early Mogwai or Slint, filtering it through a gritty, urban lens. This isn't music for passive listening; it builds atmospheres, using dynamics and texture to tell stories without words, proving that the spirit of exploratory indie rock is alive and well outside the major-label machinery.Taken together, this week’s offerings form a compelling narrative about the health of the independent scene. It’s a ecosystem where revered icons like Sleaford Mods can experiment, underground legends like Barratt can resurface with relevant brilliance, and new bands like Shaking Hand can find their voice within established traditions.
#Sleaford Mods
#Crooked Man
#Shaking Hand
#indie rock
#album releases
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