When a new band emerges onto a heavily contested indie scene, it’s important to stand on your own two feet and stand out. Up and coming bands know they don’t need to reinvent the wheel with their first release; singable choruses and ear-catching melodies is what’s most important when making an impression on the scene.
Up step ‘The Clause’ with their new EP ‘Pop Culture’, an impressive followup to their 2021 release ‘Forever Young’. Having already grabbed the attention of thousands with their catchy covers on Sunday Sessions, the band remain determined to prove that their own tunes are just as great.
The titular opener possesses quirky lyrics on a desire for fame in modern life, but what makes the track most impressive is its instrumental and vocals. Particularly reminiscent of Foals, it’s easy to imagine a crowd singing along to its excellent chorus already, meanwhile guitarist Liam Deakin’s playing is particularly strong.
A charismatic frontman can make or break bands trying to make it big, and singer Pearce Macca does a more than adequate job on grabbing your ears. Never more so on the feisty ‘Fake It’, with a passionate vocal performance showcasing his undoubtable passion for the band. Adding a driving bass line and neat lead playing to the mix makes the track an easy one to buy into. Easily a highlight on the EP.
However, ‘Hate The Player’ being self-aware of its cliched refrain unfortunately doesn’t stop it from feeling like a misfire. If you can look past it though, the instrumental is excellent. Filled with enough guitar-funk to please Nile Rogers and a tight drum beat, it’s a track that clearly shows the impressive musicianship on display.
While ‘Gabrielle’ borders on melodramatic at times, its sweet sentiment carries it to the finish line and makes for an appropriate finisher. Charming backing vocals and welcoming guitar tones are all the ingredients needed for a love song, and they’re on full display here. The Clause clearly know what they’re doing.
The odd lyrical pitfall doesn’t stop ‘Pop Culture’ from being a joy to listen to from start to finish. If The Clause have got you off your feet and dancing then they’ve already done their job. Everything else comes as a bonus.
Written by Niall McGreevy