The Sheffield Scenester

The Ran-Tan Waltz are a romantic post-punk sounding quintet, fusing elements of the gothic and a touch of 1960’s inspired psychedelia with an underlying Western feel to create a splendidly unique sound. The band are from around the Sheffield and Barnsley area, but listening to the specificity and heavily individual style, it would be easy to assume that they were from California or somewhere like that, because they are so different from the norm, and this is why I think they are brilliant. And, I must say, as a frontman, Matt Fletcher has a stunning image as well as a great voice. Their EP, “Here Lies” is available as a free download from their Bandcamp site.

The first track, “Bogota,” has a calmly intricate opening, giving the impression of a lone ranger on his horse, taking a trip into the unknown. It has that Western feel, as well as giving a northern echo of The Cribs, merged with an element of the early Panic! At The Disco burlesque circus stuff. Two sounds that I wouldn’t necessarily expect to fit together, but this track is excellent. It is clear that the band have put a lot of work in to create something as imaginative as this. And for a first listen, I really like it.

“Helm of the Percalito” is next up and, I have to say, this is a very interesting title. It has that element of the Western again, as well as being quite intricate and twinkly. There’s an intense melodious feel for the first half of the track, then we hear the more electric sounding stuff towards the end. Another carefully thought through song which sounds magnificent.

Words by Shirley Bell