Originally formed in 2016, around the songwriting of guitarists Dylan Hughes (Sex Hands, Klaus Kinski) and Edwin Stevens (Irma Vep, Web of Lies) The Birthmarks quickly picked up local attention, leading to BBC 6 Music sessions for Marc Riley, a headline UK Tour, and the release of an EP No Slash, on London label Permanent Slump.

Expanding to a five piece, with the addition of bassist Bryony Dawson, drummer Al Robinson (Aldous RH, Egyptian Hip Hop) and guitarist and keyboardist Henry Withers (Lovvers, Human Hair, Sydney), Slowly was recorded by the band over the course of two years with assistance from veteran Manchester DIY producer Patrick Crane. It sees The Birthmarks having emerged with an assured, deftly crafted debut record, which offers ten tracks of skewed post-punk anthems. Moments of lush psychedelia and bouncy pop are thrown in for good measure, delivering a sound and energy truly unique to the band.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: The superb Icecapades return for the wonderful Birthmarks LP, 'Slowly'. Swimming with a wealth of influence from the jangling off-kilter melodicism of The Dodos to the more uplifting end of the post-punk spectrum. Wonderfully surprising throughout, groovy and rich. Another smash for one of our favourite MCR labels.

TRACK LISTING

1. Royal Youns 02:29
2. Child Stars 03:37
3. Deep Fake 03:32
4. Portugese Man O' War 03:52
5. I Know You Know 03:50
6. Man Of The Times 03:13
7. The Villain 02:39
8. Waste Of Time 01:56
9. DRTHC 04:54
10. Do They Know 06:26