The Landed

Today the 28th July has been one hell of a day for these 4 men from Essex. Not only does today mark the release of the single that I have got for you but also the release of the eponymously titled EP. I think it’s fair to say that these guys don’t do things by halves.

Formed back in 2012 the bands growth had been steady but more recently things have really started to take off. They have garnered the attention of international record producers, been played on BBC Radio and received a stack of glowing reviews. It’s going to be a serious let down if this track is crap isn’t it?

Well fear not ladies and gentlemen because the new single Things To Talk About is in fact rather good. It’s rather good in that ‘I’ve got my favourite chocolate biscuit to dunk in my tea’ kind of way; understated but very rewarding.

In truth when I heard the intro to the track and the opening few lines I feared the worst. This is no reflection upon the band just the fact that’s it’s an easy on the ear vocal over the top of a floaty acoustic melody and frankly there SO many of those type of bands doing the rounds at the minute. And even worse nearly all of them sound exactly the same. But and it is a big Kim Kardashian sized but, these guys are so much better than that.

The intricate melody that leads the way is not the only element in the song; it’s merely one of many. The addition of the strings around halfway through in conjunction with the drums that drop in and out give the track a nice depth while not detracting from the light and breezy feel. The vocal while not being especially elaborate ticks all the right boxes for this kind of track and gives everything a sort of authenticity. This might be the most pretentious thing I’ve ever uttered in a review but it’s all very organic. (I’m sorry!!)

Things To Talk About is a beautiful slice of a music tinged summer evening that more than lives up to the hype. As a band if you’re going to make it in the music industry you have to get used to being surrounded by hype but also being able to deliver on that hype when it really matters. The Landed have done that here in incredibly impressive fashion.


I have a feeling bigger things await gentlemen. - The Musical Outcast

QUITE simply this one of the best releases from a local band I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to.
If the Landed wanted to lay down a marker with their debut EP, which came out on Monday **July 28**, they have succeeded.
Skipping merrily through the music genres from funk, good honest anthemic rock and even a tinge of Eighties electro pop, perhaps their finest moment of this great six-tracker is the folky Things to Talk About.
It’s a beautifully melodic summery tune that gradually builds into a tune Elbow or Bombay Bicycle Club will be proud of, complete with a very impressive orchestral arrangement.
The self-titled EP starts with the cracking Stone Man, which eases the listener in with a very catchy fiddle-like guitar riff before bursting into its glorious rock chorus.
Snakes and Ladders has a great retro funky feel, while Suzie dishes up elements of Level 42 and Barry White, really it does!
Taking You Out has already got airplay on Huw Stephens Radio One show and you can see why with it’s Kings of Leon-esque rock riffs and the whole EP is delightfully wrapped up with a bit of a Pixies and Police mash-up in Fly.
Stunning work.
NEIL D’ARCY-JONES - The Scene - Neil D'arcy Jones

The Landed impressed us with a mix of indie rock and folk and are an altogether lovely band to listen to. KUBE have previously reviewed one of their more upbeat songs, Taking You Out, last year when they went by a different name but flash-forward 12 months and it’s time to revisit this Essex based band.

What I love about The Landed is that they can seamlessly pass through a few genres; personally I’m loving how many artists are taking a more folksy look at modern music and it’s refreshing to see elements of the genre seep into upbeat indie and pop songs. The Landed do this brilliantly with well placed Mumford and Sons-esque guitar melodies alongside (what I hear as) nineties influences such as Oasis. However, it’s not particularly fair to grapple with comparisons as The Landed are clearly a very unique band with a clear sound of their own.

Amazing Suzie seems to come out of the blue with a funky intro that once again merges with the well known indie style. Despite this being unexpected it doesn’t seem out of place and is merely just another musical twisted on the EP. Records like this are great examples of genre hybridity done well and I’m extremely impressed with the standard.

The Landed are a band that keep you guessing and don’t fall into the trap of producing the same song over and over again; they’re clearly not afraid to experiment and hopefully this will pay off for them. I’m looking forward to hearing what else the guys will come up with in the future! - Kube Radio

Poised with style, the track balances country and acoustic well, in a rock-like fashion - ultimately building to an profound crescendo. Lead vocalist Paul has a voice that’s full of character, sensitive and rich - and it is empowered by the organic, subtle harmonies in the extremely-catchy chorus. - Music Muso