2015 was the year that Circa Waves released their debut album, 'Young Chasers”, bringing a fresh new face to the indie music scene. No other album, in my opinion, quite captures the feelings of summer like 'Young Chasers'. For this reason, the group quickly became a major festival hit, performing at Reading and Leeds as well as Boardmasters and T in the Park. The Liverpudlian boys quickly moved away from the bright and cheery guitar riffs that made them famous, however, deciding to explore darker themes and heavier distorted music in their second album, Different Creatures'. Now, three years later, Circa Waves fans are presented with 'What’s It Like Over There?': the band’s Marmite record – you either love it or you hate it.
The album was composed while the band were on tour in America but was actually recorded back in the UK. The story goes that Kieran Shuddal was struggling to come up with any ideas for new music when he found some old notes he’d scrawled down in a fit of grogginess between shows. These then became the basis for their latest record. The new Circa Waves feels a lot more pop-influenced, which has caused a back lash from those that fell in love with the band for the passionate rock displayed in 'Different Creatures'. Other fans have been engrossed by their latest release’s catchy riffs and the undoubted emotion behind Kieran’s singing.
This latest LP almost feels like a film soundtrack. Every single song either has a slow and melancholy feel to it or is an epic, energetic rock anthem that could conjure up the drama in even the dreariest of action movies. Sorry I’m Yours, the first song on the album, and Motorcade the penultimate bass-y number are certainly of the latter.
In a very Arctic-Monkeys-like fashion, Circa Waves have cut down on the distorted guitar that they are well known for and have began experimenting with the piano. The second track, Times Won’t Change Me is an example of where this has paid off. The band have successfully created an up-beat and funky masterpiece that will guarantee an amazing night at any Circa Waves gig.
As well as Times Won’t Change Me, Circa Waves released three other singles prior to the release of the album. The most accomplished of these is Be Somebody Good. Everything from the actual mood of the song, to the bass line, to the incredible guitar solo makes this track, in my opinion, the best out of the ten new releases. “Movies” and “Me Myself and Hollywood” are two more of these lively, anthemic tracks that you can’t help but dance to.
Passport, however, is a paradox for all Circa Waves fans. My first reaction, like many others, was one of utter dismay. The song seems to be a simple four chord pattern on piano with rather dreary and uncomplex lyrics; all in all, very un-Circa-Waves-like. However, for some strange reason, the track has grown on me. No, it will never be my favourite Circa Waves number, but there is something about the feelings of escapism that surround the song (and indeed, the entire album) which means I just can’t seem to get this one out of my head!
The Way We Say Goodbye contrasts dramatically with anything Circa Waves have previously written. It is a four minute epic and emotive piece that sounds more like a track from the indie pop group, Kodaline, than the Liverpudlian rockers we all know and love. In no way does that make it a bad song, however. The combination of the cheerful lead guitar melody and the sombre chords create a feeling of new possibility tinged with the sadness of letting someone go, making this track the most multi-layered of the whole album.
The final song on the album, Saviour, is yet another twist in this record of inconsistency. This time, the band have had a stab at recreating the ambiences of classic rock and ended up producing a surprisingly good Zeppelin-style piece.
It was ambitious of Circa Waves to consider releasing an album like 'What’s It Like Over There?'. The record is only really aimed at a proportion of their fans – those that don’t mind a bit of change, those that can appreciate a broad range of indie genres and those that connect with strong connotations of adventure, escapism and possibility that surround the album. As I have said before, this new release is a Marmite album; not everyone is going to enjoy the new Circa Waves style but those that do are sure to stick with the band no matter what.
Overall, I would rate this album a strong three and a half stars. No, not every song is a masterpiece but the emotion and passion delivered by the entire band is clearly recognisable. To create an entire album from a few notes scribbled down a scrap of paper clearly requires talent, so I generally believe these guys can reach the top.
What's It Like Over There? is available on all streaming platforms
Thank you ☺️
I love their Young Chasers album, and you did such justice with descriptions of their songs. Wonderful journalism. :)
Thank you for another easy to read blog. I can taste the creativity of the band.