Here’s a short guide to Beach Slang

Beach Slang reach the UK next week, so here’s a few things to get you started with your new favourite fuzzed out rock band.

Formed in June 2013, it hasn’t taken Philadelphia based outfit Beach Slang long to establish themselves as cult heroes. Their sound is built around a distorted grit, led by James Alex’ distinctive whisky soaked vocals. There’s an obvious old-school edge, but with an exciting modern punch. Basically, it’s brilliant.

Their live shows really are very special, so with their tour kicking off very soon, including a headline show at London’s Scala, we’ve pulled together a short guide to Beach Slang.

Their shows are more than just a standard gig

Fronted by the enigmatic James Alex, each Beach Slang live show is as much a direct interaction with the band as it is a showcase of their music. Alex is full of stories, anecdotes and jokes that make each performance an intimate experience. Past performances have included impromptu jam sessions, covers and some riotous laughs.

Beach Slang - Atom Bomb [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Watch this video on YouTube

There’s a serious passion for music

By no means unique to any one band, Beach Slang are keen purveyors of music. Their distinctive style is borne out of a genuine love for their forefathers and contemporaries. Never is this more evident than their repeated on-stage collaboration with Ben Harding of late 80s to early 90s musical pioneers Senseless Things. Alex’s sheer admiration for his hero is written across his face every time.

The touring party

James Alex confirmed to SPIN Magazine late last year that as well as long-time bandmate Ed McNulty [bass], they’ll be joined by drummer Cully Symington of Afghan Whigs and Okkervil River, and lead guitarist Aurore Ounjian of Mean Creek. He told the magazine that Symington is “probably the coolest person I know and he hits like an animal”, and Ounjian is “the sweetest human I’ve ever met and can play circles around me”.

They sure do love their covers

Far from a simple novelty, their own versions of tracks that have inspired them are stunning. They will be releasing their second covers mixtape Here I Made This For You Mixtape Volume II through Big Scary Monsters on the 10 February 2017, including a cover of Bored Teenagers by The Ataris, which you can stream below.