Brighton jangle-psych trailblazers Hutch have just announced their debut EP Smile and Wave due to drop on 23rd February, sharing a chilled seasonal new single ‘Ice On the Lake‘ with news of a 14-date UK Headline tour next spring.
Fused with jangly guitars, time-jolting tempo shifts and angelic harmonies, ‘Ice on the Lake‘ ripples with kaleidoscopic riffs, chugging, bustling rhythms blurred with rapturous psychedelic breakdowns that glisten with ethereal vocals and time-shattering riffs, together with references to British actor Hugh Laurie. ‘Ice on the Lake’ draws inspiration from a real-life failed attempt to ‘break the ice’ while on tour in Bedford, as the band themselves explain:
“Written about a journey Hutch took to a frozen lake last winter. We took a stone from what we’re 75% sure was Hugh Laurie’s house and tried many times to break the frozen lake with rocks, sticks and anything else we could find – to no avail. The song reflects the intrigue and wonder of a captivating snowy scene. In a way, it appeals to the childlike excitement of the snow and seeing a place you’re quite used to, being temporarily changed. “
Formed by Jack Pritchard (Vocals and guitar), Dan Shepherd (Vocals and guitar), Charlie Bogg (Vocals and bass), Owen Bullock (Vocals and drums) – with Eva Lunny guesting on Harp and Synth. Hutch set their stall on writing music that celebrates the wonders of the natural world and their own giddying adventures within it.
Pledging their escape from the mundane via the sweets of Australian neo-psychedelia and 80s jangle-pop, debut EP Smile and Wave is suffused with child-like whimsy – snails, rainbows, wintry lakes and radiator shops rank high among the band’s subject matters of choice.
With a mammoth UK Headline tour commencing in February, the band have barely let up on their prodigious gigging schedule since their live debut in 2021. Following a thirteen-date EU/UK tour with Gitkin, Hutch have recently earned support slots with legendary psych bands Love and Os Mutantes Performing at The Great Escape last summer saw them reach the longlist for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition, and hit the billings of Dot to Dot, Victorious and 2000 Trees festivals.
2024 Headline Tour Dates:
FEBRUARY
29th: Where Else, Margate
MARCH
1st: Hot Box, Chelmsford
2nd: Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom, Norwich
3rd: Grayson Unity (Matinee Show), Halifax
5th: The Parish, Huddersfield
6th: The Washington, Sheffield
7th: Kazimier Stockroom, Liverpool
8th: The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
9th: The Lanes, Bristol
12th: The Boileroom, Guildford
13th: Shacklewell Arms, London
14th: The Deco, Portsmouth
15th: Green Door Store, Brighton
16th: The Piper, St. Leonards
