Based in both Leeds and Yorkshire, indie-pop group ALLEYWAYS have already made a name for themselves in both their local music scenes and beyond. This is undoubtedly due to the effortlessly funky groove which emanates from every single and EP they have released so far. Their sound is a brilliant new take on the glittering synth-pop of the 80s – they even have their very own saxophonist, Stu Whyte, to complete that vibe. The rest of the band consists of frontman Dougie Turner, bassist and producer, George Barwick, and guitarist Ben Clarke. Together, they naturally fuse indie rock and pure pop, continually producing stunning hits, which could get anyone moving at a live show. Their success has led them to support the likes of Fickle Friends, King No One, Glass Caves and Cassia (all bands who clearly inspire their music). Their latest track Over It carries on their tradition of exploring serious topics over vibrant, up-beat pop.
‘Over It’ is also an extension of the discussion that is at the heart of ALLEYWAY’s music: the dangers of the digital age. Previous releases include ‘TV’ which was inspired by the amount of phones at their gigs and their fear that their fans were experiencing their lives through a screen. Their new single approaches the subject more topically. Turner writes, “Now, more than ever, is a time we need to be reminded that community and connection in the real world is what drives us.” It talks about how this generation needs to work together if we are to solve the world’s problems, rather than living in the fake world of the internet. Indeed, their latest music will amount to an EP named ‘OMG Listen To The End!!! *Gone Wrong*’, a parody of the falsehood involved in viral culture.
Nevertheless, the energy doesn’t falter for a second. Perhaps, this is not a bizarre choice but fits with their themes of unity and friendship. Maybe, this is another urge to get young people off their phone and into their real world, working collectively against the constant pressures we now face: climate change, racism, sexism, false information…
The tension is real from the very beginning. Those swooping synth pads provide the perfect springboard for fast paced, high pitched arpeggios to immediately get your heart racing. Everything is kicked up a notch by Clarke’s funk-infused guitar licks, so that, suddenly, we are surrounded by sound: echoing synthesisers, fast strumming and an equally funky bass line. It is rock guitar which introduces the next verse, adding the final missing element. Unusually, it is the guitar solo which brings out the the gravity of the issue, whilst the rest of the song ensures the message remains stamped on your mind. I certainly haven’t been able to forget the fervent rhythms and spectacular melodies which run through every verse and chorus.
The mass of synthesisers combined with Dougie’s vocoder makes the song itself seem virtual, whilst the vast amount of reverb shows the possibilities the real world brings. Slamming the craving for popularity that social media brings, Dougie sings, “our generation/looking through our windows of social validation”. A final massive chorus ends the song, further displaying the magnitude of their youthful zest for life, a trait they wish to pass onto their technology confined listeners, especially during this lock down.
After their previous release, Dumb, reached 5,000 streams in only one month, no-one can deny that these four musicians are destined for great things. Their unique take on pop has been dubbed “the perfect medicine for your cabin fever”, and certainly lifted my spirits with its inspiring lyrics. What’s more, while you can’t see them live, ALLEYWAYS, have adapted to the new ways of music consumption and are releasing TikTok covers every few weeks along with their latest single. There is so much content to discover - that is if you haven’t been motivated to switch off all your devices! I can only hope that blogs are allowed in the renewed world they are trying to create.
'Over It' is available on all streaming services