Whilst this unexpected switch in genres works, it's not necessarily what you want from Circa Waves' second LP.
With the winter months approaching, many bands are turning their sights to rockier horizons. With their first release since last year’s debut album Young Chasers, Liverpudlian four-piece Circa Waves has done just that by moving away from the upbeat indie rock vibes that we had become accustomed to.
Similar but more dingy in tone, on ‘Wake Up’ melodies are cast across the sounds of rougher and rockier electric guitar riffs. The change in sound is obvious, with new producer Alan Moulder – who has previously worked with the likes of Royal Blood, Arctic Monkeys, and Foo Fighters – involved; and the similarities with both the Alex Turner-fronted band’s early work and Royal Blood’s self-titled record are clear at first sight. Admittedly this is not what I desired from Circa Waves, however the song works well as a cohesive unit with lyrics to match. “Slow, I feel ya, wrapping round my bones, I call ya but you’re never home” – sombre, but fitting.
With new album Different Creatures following in March next year, ‘Wake Up’ can be seen as a taste of what is to come: a new Circa Waves 2.0 – certainly louder and rockier, but not necessarily better.
‘Wake Up’ is out now via Virgin EMI.
