I Know Leopard Hold This Tight

I Know Leopard's single "She" surprised me for a couple of reasons. First, after not hearing from the Adelaide-raised, Sydney-based quintet, I had feared they might have been another band to call it quits. Second, I was amazed at the progress they'd made on the track -- and not because their previous releases had been poor; it just spoke of a band coming into their own.

That last statement has been thoroughly backed-up on the band's new single "Hold This Tight," a track that maintains a gorgeous, dreamy aesthetic, but does so at a more upbeat tempo. Layers of glittering guitar and keys are paced by rolling percussion, with Luke O'Loughlin's perfectly suited vocals drifting in and out. It's not a slow burner like "She," it's just a track that hooks you from the opening and doesn't let go. A perfect follow-up single.

It looks to be a big year for the band. Their debut EP Illumina is due in the coming months, and if the first two tracks are anything to go by, it's going to be a superb release.