The Checks - Hunting Whales
Forming in New Zealand when they were just 15 years old The Checks caught the ears of REM, Noel Gallagher and The Hives who all took them on tour. Now the band are all 18 and 19 and ready to release their debut single in the UK.
'Hunting Whales' is full of rock 'n' charm, front man Ed Knowles has always been fascinated by whales and uses them as a metaphor for love no this song. The dirty vocals and guitars on this track put me in mind of the White Stripes.
The B-side track 'The Creek' is a live recording, and you can't help but think how great it would be to see The Checks in a tiny, smokey venue. Both songs are strong, but 'The Creek' is my personal favourite. Although both songs are really good, well written and produced I think The Checks may have been slightly over hyped, but they are a talented bunch of guys who can go on to achieve wonderful things.
Judging by 'Hunting Whales' it's not surprising that this five piece has been so hotly tipped and that anyone who's anyone in the industry wants a piece of them.