The Raincoats
The Raincoats makes unusual playing feel welcoming. The rhythms are uneven, the harmonies can wander away from perfect pitch, and violin gives the arrangements a sound beyond the usual guitar, bass and drums. Yet the record has a warmth that keeps those details from becoming a barrier. Its rough edges feel closely connected to the people making the music.
No Side to Fall In captures that appeal in miniature. The shared voices give the song an immediate lift, making its short running time feel lively rather than incomplete. It introduces a band whose enthusiasm matters as much as precision.
The version of Lola is a clear highlight. The familiar Kinks song remains recognisable, but the Raincoats give it a different shape and character. The arrangement fits naturally beside their own material. It shows how much personality the band can bring to a tune without needing a polished or forceful delivery.
Elsewhere, the violin and loose vocal blend help give the music a folk-like quality. The instruments do not always move together smoothly, which creates a sense of possibility inside otherwise compact songs. There is pleasure in that freedom, even when the results sound awkward.
The same qualities will not work for everyone. Some arrangements connect only briefly, and the uncertain singing and irregular movement can be distracting if you want a steadier performance. Still, the record’s openness is more compelling than its imperfections are frustrating. The Raincoats turns a modest set of musical resources into a distinctive, approachable sound. Its strongest moments have both character and a real sense of enjoyment.
