Southampton trio Band of Skulls have been mainly criticized for their lack of originality; The Guardian's Dave Simpson notes that their past three albums have established a head-banging rock sound "that is virtually a catch-all of recent guitar band successes: a bit Kings of Leon here, a bit Arctic Monkeys/Queens of the Stone Age there, and a lot of the Black Keys everywhere".
The release of their latest music video for "So Good", a single from their upcoming album By Default (2016) reveals that any game-changing originality is yet to be achieved (the slick, visually appealing videography is clearly indebted to The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army". But there is nevertheless a new boldness that characterizes the song, which may or may not be due to the fact that the band's songwriting process took place within a local Southampton church.
"So Good" is almost certainly destined for popularity, and draws on the band's strengths: bassist Emma Richardson takes on the role of lead vocalist, which are layered with guitarist Russell Marsden's vocals to create an androgynous, arresting affect, and they are accompanied by their proven ability to mould a killer riff into a catchy, inescapable hook. The song is thematically familiar, evoking the sudden rush of dopamine that one gets from a rush of attraction:
'Never had it before...Never knew, the score, till nowNever got the way it goesThen you walked through the door
It was always a hazeSomething new to pass the daysI was all liquored and blind then,you, blew, my mind
You're so goodYou're so good for me!Good for me'
Source of lyrics: MetroLyrics
"So Good" may not particularly sublime, or serve as evidence of divine inspiration, but sometimes all you really need is a good, good hook.
