Say “Hi!” to Elizabeth Liddle and Billy Smith – a duo whose debut single is a real thing of beauty and joy.

As singles go Smith & Liddle’s ‘Piece of You’ is among the best debuts I’ve heard in a while. Recorded at Blank Studios in Newcastle it’s a real calling card for their love of 60s/70s sounds, specifically mid-to-later period Beatles and Laurel Canyon feels. In fact, they say that for the single they took inspiration from the Mop Tops’ ‘Revolver’ album and ‘Piece of You’ is certainly alive with ‘And My Bird Can Sing’ like guitar work. But it’s also bountiful with its turn-your-face-to-the-sun vibes that I found utterly irresistible. The pair grew up in small towns – only 25 miles apart – but discovered each other when Billy was on the hunt for a vocalist (and boy, did he find one…). They then bonded over 60s beat, West Coast soul and soft rock. And ‘Piece of You’ is just the start. Apparently they’ve signed two international licensing deals and their debut album should be along before the year is out. Can’t wait. DP

Seek: linktr.ee/smithandliddle