It is no surprise that Childhood was declared a ‘band to watch in 2014’, by the BBC and The Guardian. The London based, indie quartet, produce the most soothing of psychedelic sounds. The euphoric ensemble came together at Nottingham University, in 2010. Lead, Ben Romans-Hopcraft and fellow student, guitarist, Leo Dobsen came together. They together concocted the founding’s of the band’s dreamy spell. Later, Daniel Salamons took up bass, whilst Chris O’Driscoll became Childhood’s drummer. O’Driscoll was later replaced, with the groups now drummer, Jonny Williams.
The single that burst them onto the British press was 2012’s ‘Blue Velvet’. A track of swanky and sauntering bass, decorated with dreamy spirals of guitar. Romans-Hopcraft’s vocals bounce and float across the band’s debut, playfully. It is immediate that the group take influence from 60s pschycedellia right through to 70s funk, with their both transcendental and bouncy feel. Childhood’s follow up release, was the soaringly seductive ‘Solemn Skies’, a year later.
What helped to increased Childhood’s rise to attention, was their place as Palma Violets support band, in 2013. However, where are Palma Violets now? It seems Childhood have swept past their formers, in the indie band stakes. Moving forwards, Childhood are now set to support the legendary likes of Jonny Marr in October.
This year, the band bring even more sonic releases to our ears. ‘Falls Away’ begins dark and mysteriously, rising with sweeping vocals and layers of guitar work. Romans sings ‘it falls so hard, it falls away,’ with a whimsical whisper. He drifts us into a utopian realm of listening.
Their latest track ‘As I Am’, although not officially released, is now streaming on SoundCloud. Cooling oohs and twangles of guitar begin the piece, with sweet sounds of summer. It rises to a funky beat and Childhood’s trademark floating vocals. ‘So tell me what you want to do and take me as I am,’ asks Romans-Hopcraft in a handsome cool breeze. The song spirals and swirls, in sweeps of sweetening sound.
With debut album ‘Lacuna’ around the corner, The MOVER is in anticipation. It is certain that Temples have competition, in the psychedlic realm, with this band. But Childhood approach psych with a new agenda. Their style is of a more seductive sweetness, than the likes of Temples brash collisions of sound. And it’s as refreshing as an ice cold drink on a summer’s day.
‘Lacuna’ is out on August 11th
Childhood celebrate their albums release with a launch show in London. And they are set for their own live dates in October, alongside supporting Jonny Marr. For further details see their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/childhoodband
The MOVER 