More about: Saint Agnes

The thrillingly unique Saint Agnes return with their mini album Vampire tomorrow (26 March). They have a fantastically rock'n'roll sound and attitude; Jack White-inspired songs with soaring riffs, this band remind us of Third Man Records find The Black Belles. They have a piece of work here that will translate very well to a live show - if this doesn’t get you itching to be at a gig then nothing will.

The superbly grungey 'Repent' opens the record, sounding like a track written for the sweaty, low ceiling venues that we are all so desperate to get back to. The vocals are anthemic and the instrumentation is raucous and punky: what an opener! Saint Agnes show their more commercial appeal on the track 'Vampire': this cut sounds like something straight out of an '80s horror flick, which contrasts with the social media critical lyrics.

The cut 'This World Aint Big Enough' is another blistering number: heavy and hard-hitting. Guitars that are absolutely dripping in fuzz and fury; this is such an exciting project, with Saint Agnes clearly unsatisfied with being unable to play and perform - the restless energy throughout this album is palpable and it really comes to the forefront on this track.

Saint Agnes include a cover of Nick Cave’s 'No Pussy Blues', which they translate into their own style with aplomb. The awkward, stumbling melody of the track is performed fantastically, the bass sound achieved here is monstrous and the Saint-Agnes-spin on a Cave classic is a real standout on this mini album - even gathering praise from the man himself. 'I'm With You Everywhere You Go' is one of Saint Agness best original tracks with the sugary sweet melody quickly becomes a dark and twisted chant, sounding like a bizarre, cultish ritual. The instrumentation is dazzling, with gloriously dark riffs and drumming that fills the space in the track astutely.

The mini-album closes out with another cover, this time its Nine Inch Nails who get the Saint Agnes treatment. They really do this cover justice too, with driving guitar and drums that culminate in a spectacular solo drenched in effects. The final track is another of the brilliantly spooky interludes, which encapsulates the horror-chic and restless nature of this project perfectly.

This album is a whole experience, so we can only recommend that you get yourself a physical copy as the individual tracks may not translate so well into playlists. As a whole piece, this is a unique listen - and will translate incredibly to the live stage.

Vampire arrives 26 March via Death or Glory Gang Records.

More about: Saint Agnes