First Listen: Esben and the Witch, ‘Violet Cries’

Since their self-released debut EP ‘33’ landed in 2009, the Brighton trio Esben and the Witch have been pegged by pretty much everyone as “ones to watch” in British indie music. The group make somewhat doom-laden but not excessively bleak arty rock, all led by Rachel Davies’ haunted vocals – it would usually be called atmospheric.

Now their debut full-length LP, Violet Cries arrives on the Matador label on 31 January. It’s a fine, dark record, delivering on much of their early promise and you can stream it below from today until it’s release. Also at their website are remixes of three tracks which can be downloaded for free.

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