They began life with long time friends and school mates Katie and Nestor rehearsing in bedrooms and garages before adding Doug to their ranks. From then on, their ascent has been rapid and exhilarating. Refusing to be musically pigeon-holed or viewed as a provincial concern, there’s a timeless, international scope to their music, echoing the likes of The Breeders, Violent Femmes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more. To compare Sky Larkin directly to any singular band or record however, would be doing the trio a grave injustice.
Certainly this non-UK centric outlook is why it makes perfect sense that the band chose to spread their wings and record their debut album as far afield from the UK as Seattle, Washington. Honed by the skills of neo-legendary producer John Goodmanson (Sleater Kinney, Death Cab for Cutie, Nada Surf), they’ve created an ageless record that is punchy and razor sharp yet layered, intriguing and complex.
Much of the credit for this can be put down to the fascinating stories and similes that surround the record. Full of oblique references, lyrical twists and heart-bursting couplets, it’s an engrossing and compelling listen. Sonically married to sharp guitars, crushing rhythms and soaring choruses it all comes together to create an undeniably fantastic LP of dense and rewarding pop songs.
Prior to recording their debut album, the band were all studying far away from each other, journeying to meet regularly in Leeds, London and beyond in order to play shows with the likes of Broken Social Scene, The Gossip, Menomena and to tour with new label mates Los Campesinos!.
Following the completion of their various studies, Sky Larkin regrouped in Leeds to be quickly offered a deal with Wichita Recordings and sent straight to Seattle to record the fruits of their labour. On their return this summer, they were invited to showcase their talents at various events including the Glastonbury and Latitude festivals.
The rest of 2008 saw the release of their first full single release "Fossil, I" and a pair of European tours with Conor Oberst and Los Campesinos!, respectively. In addition, Sky Larkin performed shows with both Hot Club de Paris and Those Dancing Days. The band later returned to the United States to play hugely acclaimed shows in New York and to record the extraordinary video for their debut single, "Beeline".
On 25 January 2012, five years to the day after the band released their first single, Doug Adams announced his amicable departure from the band.
The Golden Spike was released in February 2009.
http://www.weareskylarkin.com
One Of Two
Sky Larkin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"No you go first"
One of two
The last man standing
Is favourite son
The last man standing
The opening lines of Sky Larkin's song One Of Two contain a narrative that appears to be taken from a familiar childhood scenario. However, as the song progresses, these seemingly simplistic words start to take on a much deeper layer of meaning. The "tiny hand" that says "No you go first" is indicative of a reluctance to be the one to take the first step, which is often a sign of a lack of confidence or uncertainty in oneself. The song's title, One Of Two, suggests that there are two possible outcomes, and it seems as though the person being addressed in the song is in a situation where they are faced with two options, yet they are unable to make a decision.
Moving on to the next couplet, "The last man standing/Is favourite son," the metaphor of standing is intended to signify success, or the ability to withstand pressure when others cannot. "Favourite son" here is also purposefully vague, but it could refer to someone who is idolised and celebrated by others, implying that whoever is "last man standing" has achieved something remarkable. The line "The last man standing/Has won" doubles down on this idea that success is only found at the end of a long and difficult journey, and that the ability to endure is key to reaching any goal. Overall, One Of Two seems to be a song about the importance of self-belief and perseverance to achieve one's goals, even in the face of obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
The tiny hand says
"No you go first"
A small gesture of kindness is shown when one person insists that the other go first.
One of two
The situation being described only involves two people or two options to choose from.
The last man standing
Is favourite son
In a competition or challenge, the one who is still standing and has not given up is often admired or favored over the rest.
The last man standing
Has won
The winner of the competition or challenge is the person who was able to persevere and outlast all the others.
Writer(s): Nestor Matthews, Douglas Heron Adams, Katherine Harkin
Contributed by Riley K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@julianvargas5235
Big fan from Riverside, California!
@redstar7000
great band! i am seeing them tonight in toronto
@shamhimself
Saw them @ the Black Box in Belfast before Christmas they backed up Stereolab, hadnt heard of them until I saw them live and I was well impressed....they sound like a punked up Sundays
@SveinssonErlendur
excellent!
@shrimpereddy
Think they're going to be big. Saw them supporting Los Campesinos at the Spitz and they were far better. Top tune.
@e00d00d00y
que buena vos la de esta nena pero los conoci de casualidad suena bn jaja
@phelpsphan4575
hey i think u guys r pretty cool my cuzin caroline shield is dating doug