After releasing Synth Pop anthem Sanctuary in music video format earlier this year, the track is set to be the debut single release from Wolves boys METHODS, a band who describe themselves as 'a unique mix of dark brooding pop, chiming guitars, stirring keyboards, motorik rhythms and stark Vocals'. Having recently signed to Strawberry Moon Records, Sanctuary is all of these and more, the first taster of what is to come from both band and label.
I've had the pleasure of seeing this band on several occasions and have even crowned them my favourite local band, a breath of fresh air from the guitar heavy Birmingham music scene of the moment. It is only fitting that they release my most favored track of theirs first as well as the one that is the highlight of their live set. I'm being completely non biased when I say that Sanctuary is a jam hot debut single. I've said it before, but METHODS sound like a band you've heard already, their music far bigger than the venues that Birmingham is willing to accommodate an unsigned band within.
Sanctuary opens with an instant, thumping electro beat that is not too dissimilar to 80's electro indie classic 'Blue Monday'. Washes of synthesized chords join in soon after that sound as if they were created in 1980 by a synth nerd and blasted 37 years into the future. A driving post punk bassline that channels early Pete Hook accompanies lead singer Ash Bradley,"I'm asleep then I wake up, lying on the bed again, let the thoughts come in". What's instantly striking about METHODS is not just the brutal honesty and sensitivity behind their lyrics, but the punk confidence and attitude that they are sung with. The excellent lyricism throughout the track is only one of the factors that make it outstanding. "Its part of my makeup, written on my arms, read the scars" is just one of the lyrical highlights and seeks out beauty in imperfection.
The chorus is as anthemic as you would expect from a piece of music that is bold and in your face right from the click of the play button. "Sanctuary, I will find a church and I will pray, that I was gonna get some redemption, forget the thoughts of yesterday, who knows who knows" sings Bradley, accompanied by modulated post punk guitar parts and layers of tasteful complimentary synthesizer sounds. The drumbeat is the pumping heart of the track and is what gives it such impact and power, a well mixed concoction of ticking drum machine hi hats, 80's snares and drummer Peter Bates' dynamic fills between verse and chorus sections.
It is clear METHODS have been in the game a while, evident in their ability to not only compose, but arrange in the way that they do Sanctuary, switching in and out oh-so slight instrumental parts between the guitar and synthesizer from section to section, keeping the listener hooked. I could listen to the track as an instrumental and be engaged for all 4 minutes 30 seconds of it. No new parts are created, but instead recycled and used differently within sections to create different textures as well as provide familiarity for the listener.
The recording captures the emotion and energy of the live track perfectly, it's loud, bold and a mixture of human and robotic sounds that are the perfect backing to their dark lyricism centered around the human design, and its faults.
Sanctuary is just the first of many releases to come from the band, who are always writing and recording in their Wolverhampton lock up and have a strong live set already up their sleeves.
'Sanctuary' will be released on Saturday 19th August 2017 through Strawberry Moon Records and will be available on all major music platforms
'Sanctuary' will be released on Saturday 19th August 2017 through Strawberry Moon Records and will be available on all major music platforms
For fans of: Editors, New Order, Joy Division, Gary Numan
Keep up to date with the band below:
You can listen to KITTEN here:
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