“Wonderfully English dream pop” Clash
Blissful...if a reincarnated Sinatra could surf” This Is Fake DIY
“Genre-bending but oh-so-enjoyable” Indie Shuffle 
 
Brighton four-piece Lion Bark have premiered a new song, ‘Longhorns’, in conjunction with a hometown gig at The Hope on December 4. ‘Longhorns’ is twinned with the band’s acclaimed debut track, ‘Two Prongs’, ahead of an EP of new material early next year.

Having originally met at music school in Brighton, Lion Bark’s four members all decided to drop out before the end of their first year, after realizing they had already formed the band each of them had dreamt of creating when they first started college. They moved into a flat overlooking the sea, taking up a variety of part-time jobs (one member is a postman, the others work in cafes and call-centres) to allow them to finesse their sound.

The results are already beguiling – classic British Pop mixed with hazy post-punk guitars, affecting vocal harmonies, and the soon-to-be-distinctive tenor of lead singer Guy Bangham. Produced by the band alongside Tarek Musa (Stealing Sheep, Jethro Fox) and mixed by Tom Morris (Outfit, Woman’s Hour), this summer’s dreamy ‘Two Prongs’ suggested influences spanning the likes of Real Estate, Wild Beasts and even Frank Sinatra. It’s an escapist and often romantic mix, and whilst follow-up ‘Longhorns’ is more upbeat, the melancholy remains: the song was inspired by two of Guy’s best friends moving to Texas, and their newfound local college football team (also called Longhorns). It’s a fitting tribute to distant friendship and being left behind...though Lion Bark are no doubt going places themselves.

Lion Bark have already pricked up the ears of the BBC Introducing team and a host of blogs this year, and will announce further plans for ‘Longhorns’ ahead of their date at The Hope on December 4.