One of the best things about my job is watching bands grow over time.
In the case of UK’s Band of Skulls, it’s been watching the one female member of the trio — bass player Emma Richardson — emerge into the spotlight. She’s always been shy in person, but on their new single, her vocals are front and center and I hear a new attitude behind it. It’s also their poppiest song yet.
Emma, Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums) formed Band of Skulls after meeting in college.
Their 4th album “By Default“, out May 27, shows them sharpening their sound. After years of relentless touring worldwide, they took a step back before recording and the newfound focus shows.