The first release from Howl Griff's forthcoming third album, Sharkfins In The Sky is typically thoughtful and full of contrasts – while melodious as ever.

The music is a joyful mesh of New Wave guitar, 60s mellotron and disco's offbeat hi-hats – with guitarist Gary Parkinson guesting on lead vocal while front-man Hywel Griff joins the skintight rhythm section.

Meanwhile, the lyrics tell the sad tale of a fatal shooting at an ice-rink disco – with an uplifting determination to help those in need.

"Cleverer than a fox and twice as tuney" – Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales

LYRICS
Hey all you skaters
The ice rink opens at five
Then at the disco
It's homicide staying alive

And I will come to your assistance
When you need to kiss the life
Come to your assistance
When I see sharkfins in the sky

It's a frenzy
An attack with no heart to give
Hey, I'm sea-sick
I'm dying, better kiss me quick

And I will come to your assistance
When you need to kiss the life
Come to your assistance
When I see sharkfins in the sky

I don't need a pacifist
To tell me that the war's a fight
And I don't need a danger sign
To tell me that the end is nigh

And I will come to your assistance
When you need to kiss the life
Come to your assistance
When I see sharkfins in the sky

CREDITS
Words and music (c) Howl Griff 2011
Recorded at The Fold Studios, London SE23, summer 2011
Produced by Howl Griff
Mixed by The Fold

Guitars, mellotron, vocals: Hywel Griff
Vocal, guitars: Gary Parkinson
Bass, vocals: Steve Kennedy
Drums, percussion, vocals: Nick Moore

Cover art by Hywel Griff from an original idea by Nick Moore