1. Hold My Hand (radio edit) 3.34
2. Hold My Hand (album version) 4.57

UNKLE’s recently-released third album ‘War Stories’ captured James Lavelle and Richard File in considerably reinvigorated form, having eschewed the slightly awkward breaks-dominated trajectory of their preceding ‘Never Never Land’ effort for a more widescreen, desert-rock based approach. This second single to be lifted from ‘War Stories’ represents something of a first for the duo, in that Lavelle handles lead vocal duties for the first time.

Indeed, his subtle, almost Ian Brown-esque delivery acts as the perfect slightly wearied counterpoint to the backdrop of massed metronomic clattering drums and fuzzed-up rock guitars that slither beneath, evoking a sense of grimy electro-laden sleaze that certainly calls to mind the more riff-heavy areas of Death In Vegas’ discography, such as their sinister-as-hell high water mark ‘Contino Sessions.’ There’s also more than a stray trace of knowingness in Lavelle’s chorus hook of “Are you really living / Or are you just existing” that alludes to the personal and professional strife he’s endured in recent years, whilst also forming this track’s emotional core.

Another strong offering from one of the year’s most surprising records, and one that’s positively packed with potential singles.