London's Larrikin Love brought forward an intense strain of folk-rock whose raw drive echoed the Pogues' swagger yet leaned toward a modern British sensibility instead of classic Celtic roots, while incorporating elements of ska, calypso, and punk. The group also explored varied poetic approaches to lyrics, frequently naming Oscar Wilde and George Orwell among their inspirations, and balanced these traits with sufficient rock drive to earn widespread critical praise.
The band came together in 2005 when siblings Edward Larrikin, serving as singer and lyricist, and Micko Larrikin on guitar formed the core, later adding bassist Alfie Ambrose and drummer Coz Kerrigan. Rob Skipper, already a member of the Holloways, appeared regularly as a guest performer during their live sets. Early performances generated coverage in New Musical Express and prompted a deal with the emerging indie imprint Transgressive Records, whose roster also featured the Pipettes, the Rumble Strips, Ladyfuzz, and Battle. Transgressive issued the quartet's debut single, "Six Queens" b/w "Little Boy Lost," during fall 2005; three additional singles preceded the September 2006 release of their first full-length album, The Freedom Spark, which WEA handled for distribution. Although the record drew strong reviews and the band's profile was climbing, the members posted a website statement on May 4, 2007—just days before a planned showcase tour alongside six other Transgressive acts—declaring that Larrikin Love had split, with the added note that "all is amicable between the four members."
