California-based rockers Laytcomers impressed last summer with the peppy “Sharpie Head“, with an inventive and enthusiastic approach that reminded me of Supergrass, as well as The Fall (R.I.P. Mark E Smith). The track incorporated saxophones into the rock-laden exterior – also reminiscent of Madness – and ultimately showed the band as one with eclectic charm, certainly to be on the rise. Another one of their tracks, “Population Grave”, shows similar promise, starting with jerky slabs of guitar that remind fondly of Brit-pop acts like Blur. Nonchalant vocals build to a clashing chorus, with abundant punk influences showing. Suave and clever, “Population Grave” is another slice of idiosyncratic rock with attitude from Laytcomers.
