Originally the solo project of singer and guitarist Steven Francis Grubbs Jr., Little Francis has since evolved into a formidable four-piece featuring drummer Jordan Noel, bassist Mason Brown (Flamingo Shadow, Brainworlds), and acoustic guitarist Greg Tankersley. Together, the group craft vintage, sepia-toned rock and punk that is by turns raucous and anthemic. On Saturday, the band will unveil their debut full length I Will Sink Like All Good Things, and today we’re excited to bring you the premiere of their video for album single “Marigolds.”
It feels a bit cliché to say there is a comfortable familiarity about the song, bathed as it is in classic hooks that harken back to ‘50s rock and roll. But part of Little Francis’ magic is their ability to tether themselves to the past without coming off as some old-school retread. Their songs have teeth, and the punch-drunk pacing and weathered cynicism of “Marigolds” makes for a riveting listen.
Directed by the band’s own Noel, the video paints a portrait of marital malaise and broken love as a worn-down husband leaves for work while his wife dances at home with her new flame. It’s an old theme of course, that of the jilted lover and the pain of breaking away and moving on, but both the song and the video handle it with a clear-eyed honesty that feels refreshing.
Watch/listen above.
Recorded at Favorite Gentlemen Studios, I Will Sink Like All Good Things is out Jan. 19. Pre-orders are available here.
Little Francis will celebrate the release of I Will Sink Like All Good Things with a pair of release shows. The first is on Sat., Jan. 19 at Cine Lab in Athens alongside the Darnell Boys and Divine Feed. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $12. The second goes down on Sun., Jan. 20 at Argosy’s Brigantine Beer Parlor with Highriders and the Stacktone Slims. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 or FREE with purchase of vinyl.
More Info
Bandcamp: littlefrancis.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @littlefrancisband