The burgeoning British folk scene is an awfully interesting one, not only for its delightful tunes, but for its interconnectedness. Take brand new UK folk band To Kill A King for instance: The fivesome is set to release its debut single on Communion Records on May 30. Communion was co-founded by Ben Lovett, a member of the now uber-popular Britfolk outfit Mumford & Sons. Mumford & Sons were formerly songstress Laura Marling’s backing band, and Marling dated Marcus Mumford for a time after breaking up with… Charlie Fink of Noah And The Whale, a band Marling used to be a part of! There’s probably more I’m missing, but you get the picture.

All that has nothing to do how good “Fictional State” is (very) on its own merits, but does relate to how To Kill A King sound somewhat like a mix of those bands I just mentioned, with perhaps a bit of The National thrown in. The song rises and falls with well-constructed melodies that incorporate guitars, piano, drums and some capable low-register vocals. The lyrics tell a tale of woe and uncertainty. Of glimpsing one’s potentially ordinary future and deciding it must be prevented. Add to that the sharp final minute — one that swells with horns and strings, then rides a wave of cymbal crashes to the eventual end — and you’ve got a song that should whet anyone’s appetite for TKAK’s future work.

Also, check out a cool video for the band’s cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s song “Maps” below. It’s the b-side to “Fictional State.” And you can get another song for free if you visit the band’s official site.

To Kill A King – “Fictional State” by To Kill A King

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–Sean