We’re making it three for three today for British newcomer Havelock with this third single ‘Real’. Following on from instant favourites ‘Pig Latin’ and ‘Vacancy’, the London-via-Kent artist continues to poke fun at society with this slick, playful indie-pop track. It most likely won’t have escaped your attention that the UK is taking on more and more American culture; from taco trucks to obsession with US politics to Superbowl madness to the endless-hour work week to the pursuit of the American dream. It’s the last of these grand generalisations that Havelock takes his pen to in ‘Real’. Over jazz licks and electronic-pop production, he calls out our desire for material wealth and celebrity imitation using poignant and meaningful imagery to support his lyricism, but as that sweet croon reminds the listener “faking doesn’t make it real.” While Havelock might point out that “your dreams are so American,” this recent newcomer also realises that his one-off pop song isn’t going to change much, as he sings in surrender “my beats are so irrelevant.” Someone who doesn’t agree with that lyric is Oscar Scheller, fka Oscar, who recently released song ‘1%’ with Lily Allen, and has invited Havelock to perform at his show this Friday at London’s Omeara. Tickets here. - Hannah Thacker & Dan Peeke