pencil consists of five members: frontman Kamran Khan (AKA Fake Laugh), Coco Inman from the Philharmonia Orchestra, Dom Potts on bass guitar, Thomas Fiquet (part of Swim Deep), and lead guitarist Cai Burns from Nottingham.

They played at festivals during the summer before signing with Moshi Moshi Records, known for releasing music with Lykke Li, Florence and the Machine, and Kate Nash. pencil’s debut track signifies the relaunch of Moshi Moshi’s Single’s Club.

This track is sombre, yet intriguing; bare yet complex. It’s a beautifully constructed song with a discordant feel to it. One could easily imagine this as a soundtrack for an arthouse film, featured in a scene of anguish.

Inman’s violin playing is totally enchanting. The strings bring an atmospheric quality to the song as her lilting notes dance through the speakers. The band called her intricate melody a ‘whirlpool arpeggio’ which is certainly accurate.

Khan’s soft and delicate vocals are reminiscent of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke. The lyrics are emotionally raw and poetic, adding a theatrical element to the music.

pencil commented that ‘“The Giant” is about growth- growing up, growing apart, growing old. It started life with Coco’s violin […] and we started figuring out a chord sequence for the verse together. The idea sat as a voice memo for a few days before one rare morning, when all the lyrics were written in one sitting.’

The quintet is currently touring around the UK supporting The Japanese House, no doubt captivating crowds with their bold, experimental sound.