"Live Long, Fen Tiger": EELS! EELS! EELS! Deliver Eccentric East Anglian Rock

[Photo: Eels! Eels! Eels!]

Living near the Fens myself, I'm almost contractually obliged to like anything to do with them, like some strange web-footed patriotism. Perhaps then, that's why I'm drawn to Cambridge-based EELS! EELS! EELS!, who take East Anglian folklore and channel it into catchy, upbeat rock tunes.

Latest track "Live Long, Fen Tiger" continues that tradition, and sees the band continue to find their sound following their debut release earlier this year with not one, but two new tracks.

It took me a few listens to properly get into the feel and the style of "Live Long...", but once it clicked it absolutely stayed.

Starting with the vocals straight away, there's little time to 'settle in' with the track , however it quickly feels natural. It's a slightly different sound to the band's previous release, but that's not a bad thing at all.

Music video for "Live Long, Fen Tiger" [cred. Eels! Eels! Eels!]

The chorus is simple and shouty, a particular highlight of the track, perfect for a crowd singalong. It's also a refreshing sound not having guitars that are super distorted or 'heavy'. This is not a detriment to the energy, which still manages to be punchy and upbeat, reflecting the anthemic nature of the lyrics.

Second track "Wild Thing" (a surprise cover) takes the band's sound and pushes it into a much more bluesier territory, complete with a slightly deeper, gruffer voice. The distorted guitars are back, and there's even a guitar solo towards the end, really capturing that dynamic.

[Photo: Eels! Eels! Eels!]

Where "Live Long..." is faster, more upbeat, "Wild Thing" is sludgier - a slow head nod instead of a lively jive.

Sonically, the two tracks feel like they shouldn't be together. However, that's the charm here, the band toeing the line between genres and letting the songs speak for themselves.

This is a great follow up to "Glorious", and it's clear that there is a lot of traction (and fun) in this band. Live Long, Eels! Eels! Eels!.

"Live Long, Fen Tiger" is out NOW on streaming services