Desperate Journalist – Organ (Out 11.11.13 via Label Fandango/Fierce Panda)

‘Desperate Journalist’ is an infusion of all that is good within the world of alternative music. This struck me from the first listen; the compilation of sounds that seem to be sampled from the best parts of our favourite bands. As such, I felt that fact needed to be stated without introduction. Not for dramatic value or attention, the idea employed by much of the media, but for simple and essential fact.
Desperate Journalist consists of two males and two females, based in North London. The band’s name is derived from the performance of a song called ‘Grinding Halt’ by The Cure. The Cure re-titled it ‘Desperate Journalist In Ongoing Meaningful Review Situation’, parodying Paul Morley after a rather negative review of the groups new album. This, in true fashion, matches the bands gloomy and rebellious sound. In the act, they also ensure that by sending out a subliminal message, no reviewers will follow in Morley’s footsteps…
Joking aside, Desperate Journalists latest release is called ‘Organ’, with an accompanying B-side named ‘Distance’. Organ is a track drowned with grunginess and emotion, with the particular rawness coming from detached sounding vocals. However, this is the lulling of a false sense of security and acceptance. The chorus kicks up into hedonistic punk. You are left foot tapping like you would not believe. Yes, cliché I know, but typical and musically orientated gestures are the simplest way to explain the band’s sound. Head banging, for example, is another accurate description. The B-side, ‘Distance’, follows in its predecessors footsteps. This track however, does not have the same rapid switch between gentle melancholy and punkish rock. It sounds like a typical Smiths track, although obviously with its own youthful and contemporary spin. Without doubt, there is no denying that there is something of Morrissey’s voice in Jo Bevan’s vocals. ‘Desperate Journalist’ have something of a Joy Division quality about them as well. Who can deny that the combination of two such bands would not yield a refreshingly brilliant act?
‘Desperate Journalist’ manages to extract the best of years gone by, whilst being exceedingly original at the same time. They also have a quintessentially British sound. This is not the typical hand me down, regurgitated sound that is sometimes evident. Rather more, it is a revival of those positive memories. Being a recently formed band, they can only proceed onwards and upwards from here. 8/10
Jamie Morrell

Listen to ‘Organ’ here:

Live shows are listed below.

NOVEMBER 5th – LONDON – Shacklewell Arms, Dalston (with Department M)

NOVEMBER 9th – LONDON – Lexington, Kings Cross (Paris Is Burning Club)

NOVEMBER 21st – LONDON – Upstairs at The Garage, Highbury (with Terminal Gods)

DECEMBER 14TH – BIRMINGHAM – Muthers Studio