On their self titled debut album, The Othyrs – a band featuring members of indie band The Wolfhounds – explored a world of acoustic-based folk and pop music. On stripped down tracks like ‘Money To Burn’, the quieter musical stance provided a superb backdrop for Alice Golding’s pure vocals, whilst busier numbers like ‘Time’s No Martyr’ and ‘Wasps & Nettles’ showcased great harmonies shared between the various band members. With a couple of tracks that sounded very much like a callback to Indigo Girls’ classic self-titled disc, it was a record with an almost timeless sound.

A timely follow up, ‘Functional Family Unit’, arriving a year later, found the Goldings and friends plugging in and exploring more of a roots rock route. On the rousing ‘Decaf’, a hard edged rhythm tipped the hat to Johnny Cash’s boom-chick-a-boom freight train rhythm section, ‘Jellyfish’ blended a touch of indie jangle into an upbeat folk-pop number, and there was even time enough for a near perfect tribute to The Sundays via ‘A View Where Nothing Happens’. It may have been a bit more challenging for the “purists”, but this second album offered a more enjoyable set of songs, creating a great showcase for The Othyrs’ collective talents.

Seemingly not a band to rest on their laurels, The Othyrs current single ‘Nobody Knows’ sees the band stretching their sound further still. Take a pinch of jangling indie rock, a wave of pop harmonies and a grumbling bass that would sound more at home on a post-hardcore tune, and you have the basis for something interesting. Throw in a folky string part and an incessant hook, and you have something that’s even more likely to stick. The blend of styles here is even more eclectic, but feels very natural. There are moments when the track feels reminiscent of indie bands you loved in the 90s; there are flashes of sound that owe more to the band’s folkier past works, but whichever way you approach it, this is a track that’s bound to stick. It might not serve up such an easy melody as their Levellers-esque ‘Leave A Light On’ from a couple of years back or feel as easy going as the best bits of The Othyrs’ debut, but a gruffer edge present throughout lends a superb track a welcome crossover quality that might reach an even broader audience.

Take a listen to ‘Nobody Knows’ below. The third Othyrs album ‘‘Science Sunday’ is released via Dimple Discs on October 18th 2024.