Sounding like an ideal mix between The 1975 and Everything Everything, Larkins are another increasingly popular band emerging out of Manchester’s famously musical streets. Over the past two years, their release schedule has been slow and steady, but each track has stayed true to their indie-rock core. With a bright chemistry, singalong lyrics and fierce guitars, this four-piece band showcase the next stage in their development with the decidedly heavier ‘Sugar Sweet’. There’s still shiny, pop moments with the ‘00s-era indie-rock guitar melodies and a seriously catchy chorus that will have you singing “How was I to know? You were in my veins, we could talk all night for hours, you were sugar sweet till the end” before the three minutes and fifteen seconds track is up. That being said, it’s not all sweetness and light from the Mancunian band. There’s the hard-hitting drums, rock riffing guitars and even hint of solemn reflection around the 1:56 mark. ‘Sugar Sweet’ is a bold, not-too-serious single that could very well be the breakthrough Larkins are well due for. - HT