Diving Station latest EP “June Damp” out 27 November 2020

Listening back through their music of the last few years it’s easy to follow the growth and progression of Diving Station. The Manchester band reference the growing re-emergence of guitar music met with the more delicate folk tendencies of the harp.

Working with producer Hugo Meredith-Hardy (David Gray, Tallsaint, Caro), their arrangements are united by a well crafted and contemplative sound. Exploring new creative processes, whilst honing in on simplicity with each release, upcoming EP ‘June Damp’ feels like the arrival point of five years of performing and writing together, and the title track of their third release is a reflective, nostalgic, yet hopeful closing to the EP. A sparing, more organic arrangement than the previous tracks, the song displays the band’s inclination towards simplicity.

Diving Station have appeared at Glastonbury, Bluedot and Dot to Dot Festivals, and made bills alongside esteemed bands such as Rozi Plain, Cherry Glazerr and Honeyfeet. Making headway on radio as BBC Introducing favourites, Diving Station have been shown support from Guy Garvey, Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson at Radio 6 Music, with Bob Harris also showing support at Radio 2.

Diving Station are Anna McLuckie (Clàrsach & Vocals), Sean Rogan (Guitar), George Burrage (Bass) and Barnabas Kimberley (Drums & Vocals).

I was contacted recently by bass player George Burrage to introduce me to the band Diving Station and their latest EP June Damp. George also is bass player with Bethlehem Casuals, who earlier this year released their excellent concept album, “The Tradegy of Street Dog” which we gave a score of 4/5. He introduced me to the June Damp EP describing it as “harp-led indie rock/pop”…. I was sold straight away, as I love something a bit different, especially when used in a way you wouldn’t normally expect.

The title track June Damp is simply, at it’s heart a love story. Whether that be to a time of year, the earth around us or another being. As Lyricist/singer Anna McLuckie recalls: “I have a metal tin on my windowsill which I keep odd ends in. On it is a variation of the famous proverb “June damp and warm does the farmer no harm”. Similar to the famous “Red sky at night, shepherd's delight. Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning”, it’s an old saying that farmers used as a weather indicator. I didn't have any curtains in my room in summer so it was always the first thing I saw when I woke up. The rest of the lyrics came from that hazy long summer feeling”.

June Damp is a beautiful, delicate and reflective number bringing up memories of youthful summers made up of long days and heatwaves and the change to autumn with the leaves falling and turning golden. For me there are three excellent elements to this track. The introduction and refrains are dominated by a wonderful clear Clàrsach (Celtic harp) line which give the track a magical edge, whereas the whole track is held together by a wonderful heavy bassline from George, that is deep and powerful, but balances perfectly with the other elements not dominating the track. Finally, we have Anna’s vocals which drift gently over the entire piece, undulating in tone giving it an airy feel, like a dandelion floating on a gentle breeze. The chorus is made of repeated lyrical lines, with a fantastic harmony vocal underneath from drummer Barnabas. These elements combine together brilliantly to give a real sense of peace, and a oneness with yourself. It really is a track to lose yourself in, reflecting on your own memories, and you can’t help but smile while listening to it.

The second track Fruit Flies has a similar reflective theme and is blissfully nostalgic. But unlike the airy delight of June Damp this one has a much grittier and heavier tone to it. The introduction sounds like a reversed guitar loop, setting the scene for the deep bass tones from George to come through the mix beautifully. I really enjoy tracks that showcase the bass well, and that’s certainly the case again here. Again, the high tones of the Celtic Harp compliment this deep bass wonderfully as well as the occasional crashing cymbols. Not to forget the excellent guitar lines from Sean. All the elements combine effectively again on this one.

Finally, we have Joanna. Using implicitly subtle lyrics observations, this one is a song about confronting your emotions. The harp takes centre stage in the soundscape, but this time supported more by Sean’s guitar playing for a different tone and feel. For me, the track appears to be made of simple repeating elements from the component parts (harp, guitars, bass etc) but they combine so effectively well to deliver a far more complex sound. About two thirds of the way through the track it starts to grow the different elements becoming more intense, such as more delay / noise effects on the guitar, before it suddenly fading away at the end. Despite this building and layering of tones, its somehow quite peaceful, and has a calming feel… which I think in no small part is created by the wonderful tone of Anna’s vocals.

Diving Station are something different, and have that certain something….. a feel of their own that stands them out from others. The use of the Clàrsach is exceptional. It delivers a nice balance, not to dominant or overused, but clear and obvious. It also compliments Anna’s vocals perfectly, her pitch and tone are delightful, and I especially liked the light airy feel of the vocals in the title track, which really add to the atmosphere of the track….. Dreamy. Beautifully crafted, I really enjoyed this one. All the elements work well, and they combine together well to complement each other and build a more complex, layered soundscape.

This one was a delight to listen to, and one I’ll be listening to again and again and I’m happy to give this a 9.0 score