I haven’t written one of these in a while and thought it would be the perfect time to start as there are a number of artists that are going to be popping up as new kids on the block to follow.

Our Artist of the Week is Vasquez, a band we have talked about till we are blue in the face, but one we have never really previously focussed on in this capacity.

Their latest EP which is imaginatively titled ‘EP2’ is one of my releases of the year so far and this 3-piece I pray really get their music pushed to as many listeners as possible.

Ciaran Mckenna (Guitar/Effects), Sean Quinn (Bass) and Jon Adam (Drums) are Edinburgh based and with slightly differing line-up changes they seem to have come into their own now and are creating a sound that never quits popping with cyclonic drums and riff explosions.

I said on a recent podcast that I would love to get these guys on a bill with And So I Watch You From Afar and Vessels. Both phenomenal instrumental bands that are individually drastically different. Vasquez are the perfect 3^rd point to this triangle in that whilst being instrumental their styling is completely different. ‘EP2’ helps show that each instrument is essential in their playing and with songs like ‘Noodle Bar’ which contains one of the most exquisite bass riffs I have had the pleasure of hearing EVER , it just shows how accomplished these guys are already.

Tracks such as ‘Dad Rock’ are the perfect embodiment of excitement, anxiety and sheer genius. With its African influenced opening which diversifies itself into punk enthusiasm and added velocity it is no wonder I describe this as tornado-force riot.

Over the past few years in Podcart land it is endlessly said that there are bands that are a cut above the rest. With Vasquez it is not just the fact that they can play instruments, it is knowing what works. They are a deceptive band that display supreme confidence in their playing without being smug bastards. We add them to the list of our favourite bands we have discovered.

Halina Rifai