Former bassist of Hampshire Alt/Rock outfit ‘One last Thrill’, Gareth Haskins turned on his heels on the band and followed a passion to make music with influences from 60’s R’n’B and classic Blues/Rock with an injection of classic Mod stylings. Gone are black denim ripped skinny jeans and checked flannel plaid shirts and are in Breton shirts, tailored jackets and sharp sideburns – he also got himself a Rickenbacker guitar too. (I have a hunch he has a Vespa in his garage, a Parka and a few Paul Weller records too)! Gareth takes influences from the 1960s to present day, amalgamating musical influences from such acts as The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones; along with modern artists including Miles Kane, The Luka State and Arctic Monkeys.

He has already released a string of fine singles including the infectious “Paper Chaser” and the emotive “The Devil’s Work”. His new single ‘Forbidden Lover’ is to be released on the 12th December and thankfully there are no sleigh bells, snow, Father Christmas or even Mariah Carey in sight. Gareth recorded the track at “Sunrise Sound Studio”, just outside of Andover with assistance from engineers Andy Hunt and Marc Burford. Gareth played rhythm and lead guitar on the track, with his friend Liam Corneloues (former The Dabhands) on bass and the drums were played by Louis Sellers (former In Darklight). The track was originally written and demoed during lockdown and has been the first track that has achieved the Indie/Brit Pop style that he has been aiming for.

Gareth Haskins

Gareth Explains “the song’s subject/theme I would say is how we don’t like to admit our parents can be right with certain situations when we’re younger. For instance: with this song the Mother can tell that the daughter’s new fella isn’t what he appears but the Mother chooses to ignore their relationship in order for the daughter to find out the hard way”. We don’t really appreciate our parent’s advice until we become parents ourselves.

It’s an incredibly driven number with propelling rhythms, coupled with some wonderfully creative melodic guitars. It’s quite a different proposition to anything Gareth has created before and the style of the track catapults itself straight towards a whole new market of fans. The vocal is powerful and shows this singer/songwriter’s impressive delivery, somewhere along the lines of Alex Turner with less sarcasm and more integrity.

Forbidden Lovers is out on 12th December, pre-order it here.

Links
https://garethhaskinsepk.com
https://www.facebook.com/GarethHOfficial

Words By David Chinery (Chinners).