Single Review: Coves – Stormy
London via Leamington Spa duo Coves have had quite a celebrated ride, what with releasing their debut record ‘Soft Friday’ in 2014 to great acclaim, then following it up with this year’s ‘Spectrum’ EP. Being the first look at the upcoming new material on their second album, it was a strong continuation and now they’ve returned with new cut ‘Stormy’. They certainly have a way with being able to craft songs that are reminiscent of ‘60s psychedelic rock, with a tinge of more modern shoegaze, but in their most recent effort of ‘Stormy’, you can’t help but make the connection to more modern, contemporary takes on the aforementioned styles.
Due to sheer size, the opening riff grabs your attention instantly and firmly roots itself in your memory. Unfortunately, it is also very reminiscent of the Oasis track ‘The Hindu Times’, from the building introduction to the rousing guitar-centric atmosphere it call to memory. Of course, this is not how it was intended presumably; nonetheless, you’ll be hard pressed to forget this quickly.
Lyrically, this is where singer/songwriter Beck Wood flourishes, with the chorus “See nothing but thunder in my stormy eyes”, the imagery conjures that of forced aggression, a scenario where your back’s against the wall. But the way she sings, it is almost if it’s a tedious moment, one that is all too often a part of your life. “Stop spreading the lies”, the final words sung before the last chorus, cementing the notion that Beck has been burned before and doesn’t plan on it happening again.
As a whole, the track forms a contagious medley of instrumentation and lyricism, especially with guitarist John Ridgard’s musical mastery. But it’s on a such a level that you find yourself waning in attention and almost entering a trance-like state. This may not necessarily be a good thing, but the fact that you’re in it ‘til the end proves that both the band and song have done their job.
When people discuss bands, they often talk about the elusive ‘X Factor’, something far beyond practicing in a room for hours a day, some ‘it’ thing that you just can’t practice. In the case of Coves, they have this: it’s just a matter of time before everyone else comes to realise it.
7/10
‘Stormy’ by Coves is out now via 1965 Records. Coves’ second album is due for release in March 2016.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMZzcRWvOSI[/youtube]
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