Honeytrap: Petrushka

This is the first I’ve heard anything from unconventional quartet Honeytrap and took to second album ‘Petrushka’ with an open mind. Initial thoughts forced me to question the bands style as it mashes a number of genres proving hard to pin point where they fit in the scheme of things. Honeytrap combine elements of folk, alt. rock, pop and licks of Klezmer violin thrown in for good measure.
 
The album is pretty short and sweet with only twelve tracks. It will take you just over half an hour to plod through it. ‘Little Johnny Winter’ is a particular highlight; I would describe its sound close to if Jack the Pumpkin King (The Nightmare before Christmas) had got his skeletal hands on a synthesiser and electric guitar.
 
After listening to Petrushka for the fifth time I’m no closer to defining their sound. Even the structure of their songs is like no other, it’s almost like something you’d find in a musical with the singers Dan and Sophie playing off each other. The combination of musical styles tricks my mind into believing I have been listening to them for years, and they are not as obscure as I first thought.
 
The band has a devoted fan base including David Bowie who placed them at the top of a new music poll in The Times. Honeytrap’s second album is definitely one that grows on you as it gets better with every play. Their unusual and unique sound combined with themes of humour, melancholy, and surrealism are a recipe for success. For those of you who enjoy the obscure and bizarre be sure to pick up this album.
7/10.