Pastel’s debut album, Souls in Motion, blends indie music from Manchester, Wales, and Ireland into a dynamic and captivating journey. With the band’s diverse lineup—two Mancunian cousins (Jack and James Yates), Welsh bassist and drummer (Oshea and Wheeler) and an Irish lead guitarist(Tormey), —the album combines influence from classic Britpop, shoegaze, and punk, while maintaining a fresh and distinctive sound. Released under Spirit of Spike Island, a label originally founded by J Fender, the frontman of AfflecksPalace, the album carries a deep-rooted connection to Manchester’s musical legacy.
Opening their debut album with undeniable flair, Pastel deliver a statement of intent with “Heroes Blood.” The opener sets the tone with strength and purpose, demanding our attention. Driven by a commanding guitar presence that forms the backbone of the song, Pastel showcase their ability to seamlessly blend influences, crafting a unique fusion of artists like The Verve and Peace.
One standout feature is the song’s extended outro. Far from overstaying its welcome, the outro offers a chance for the band to display their instrumental talent. It’s a bold choice for an opening track but one that pays off, leaving us eager to explore the rest of the album.
It’s hard to follow an opening track as poignant as “Heroes Blood,” but Pastel delivers with “Your Day,” a 2023 single which stands out with its infectious hook. While the lyrics may lack the depth of the predecessor, the track’s energy and memorable melody ensure it remains an engaging and crowd-pleasing highlight, keeping Souls in Motion captivating throughout.
Released in early 2024, “Dancing on a Pin” solidified Pastel’s status as one of the most exciting acts to emerge in recent years; especially due to the clear Oasis influence: the track brims with confidence, a nod to the influence of the genre. Liam Gallagher himself is a fan—Pastel had the honour of opening for him at Knebworth back in 2022, a testament to the bands appeal, and receiving the LG stamp of approval. “Dancing on a Pin” combines sharp hooks with a gritty edge, showcasing a sound that feels nostalgic yet fresh.
“Isaiah” will probably remain our favourite track on the album; the beautiful and melodic track captures the bands emotional depth as it reflects on themes of suffering with a heartfelt delivery. Sharing its name with Pastels 2022 EP, its delicate balance of vulnerability and strength solidifies it as a highlight on the album.
“Running on Empty” is the second track on the album new to the band’s discography. While the first three seconds sound like a Favourite Worst Nightmare era Arctic Monkeys, the rest of the track channels punk rock icons like Buzzcocks and The Clash. Powered by strong, driving drums by Wheeler, “Running on Empty” is an anthem which demands headbanging and dancing around the room.
The middle of the album sees a three-track run of album-only songs, while “Deeper than Holy,” is a song brimming with talent, it is overshadowed by more memorable songs on the album; one of which being “Gone Too Fast.” This song blends shoegaze, punk, and indie rock into a three-minute burst, delivering everything a Pastel fan could hope for, especially with its catchy chorus. The middle section of the album certainly does not fall short of the high expectations Pastelset.
“Leave a Light On (A Velvet Storm)” is another testament to Pastel’s love for Oasis, yet they make the sound their own by adding a softer, more refined touch. This time, their Mancunian influence yields from Blossoms, creating a track which balances nostalgia with modernity.
The penultimate track on Souls in Motion, “Sunnyside,” is a strong contender for one of the most beautiful song openings in indie music history. While the lyrics occasionally fall short, the track is undeniably lifted by its captivating melody and intricate guitar work, offering a moment of serene brilliance. The album closes with “Escape,” a track originally released in 2022, which serves as the perfect conclusion to Pastel’s stunning debut. The powerful hook, “it’s time I find my way and it’s time I will escape,” encapsulates the end of the band’s first era—one in which they navigated their path through the indie scene, emerging not with failure, but with undeniable success. Describing themselves simply, James Yates put it best in an interview with The Independent: “We are just cool as fuck.” And Souls in Motion proves just that with their undeniably ‘cool’ range of influences, inspiring an album that’s as bold as it is captivating, with a diverse sound that’s impossible to ignore.
Words by Amelia Thompson