For whatever the reason, Leicester is slowly become renowned as a hub of interesting, original music currently pouring out of the UK. This is glowingly evident with the likes of Maybeshewill, Herra Hidro, Kyte, Minnaars and now with Dark Dark Horse, a collaboration between producer Jamie Ward, formerly of Kyte and now with Maybeshewill, and kids in cars singer James Stafford. Combining Wards dark, atmospheric electronics with Staffords unique and at times very hypnotic vocals, Dark Dark Horse have had quite an unusual start to their musical journey. After posting their initial demos online, the first label that came calling just happened to be based over five thousand miles away from the bands hometown. Japanese label Rallye, home to Toro Y Moi and Au Revoir Simone, really impressed with what they had heard on the demos offered to release an album.
The label released the bands debut Centuries in Japan late last year, but after healthy interest and some airplay on national radio in the UK, Dark Dark Horse are currently busy working on a release date for this side of the world. And in a bizarre twist for an as yet unreleased album in the UK, a certain betting office is offering odds of thirty three to one on Dark Dark Horse to pick up this years Mercury Music Prize, the same odds as Mogwais Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will.
You can check out tracks from Centuries at the bands Myspace and Last fm pages.
