Huski

Huski emerged in 2005 when multi-instrumentalist Pike Galloway, born in London, England, crossed paths with vocalist Maple Bee, born Melanie Garside in London, England. The pair channels upbeat electronica blended with indie rock. Galloway, after catching an impromptu set by veteran of the UK underground music scene Garside inside a restaurant, proposed a joint project. The two launched the band on the spot and immediately began shaping new material. Within roughly twelve months they had amassed more than forty recordings, Garside handling all vocal duties while Galloway performed every instrumental line and oversaw production.

The duo signed with the fledgling XIE Recordings and issued Love Peace Pain in July 2006. Garside’s established following, built through her solo career and her tenures with Queenadreena, the Vertigo Angels, and Mediaeval Baebes, generated immediate interest in the album. Critics generally responded favorably, likening the sound to the UK trip-hop and electro acts Portishead and Goldfrapp. Although the record did not push artistic frontiers, it remained largely engaging and approachable. Galloway leaned heavily on synthesizers to evoke an unmistakable 1980s atmosphere updated with contemporary edges. Garside delivered consistently powerful vocals except on the mechanical-sounding “Urtica,” a cut that faintly echoed UK one-hit-wonders Babylon Zoo. Standout cuts included the guitar-driven “There She Goes” and “Undatow.”