Focus on: Pale Waves

PALE WAVES

AUTHENTIC DARK POP

Do not be fooled by their appearance, Pale Waves is nothing like a metal band with unpredictable rhythms and violent guitar riffs that make go you crazy without warning. And yet, power is one of the characteristics of this quartet coming straight from Manchester in the United Kingdom.

It all started in 2014, when Heather Baron-Gracie (vocals, guitar) and Ciara Doran (drums) met at the university. The two young women, who could be related to Robert Smith (The Cure) as the influence is obvious, are on the same page and compose together in their student rooms. The following year, Charlie Wood and Hugo Silvani join them respectively on the bass and the guitar: the beginning of a great adventure.

« I love how people don’t know everything about us, they’re still trying to add things up in their brain. Trying to make sense of us. I love how people are so confused by our image and our music, and how [they] work together. It baffles me that people don’t get it still. But I like it! »

Everything went remarkably fast for the pop quartet, which posted its first demos in 2015 and quickly attracted the attention of the label Dirty Hit. You may not be familiar with this label but it turn out to be The 1975’s record label as well. Coïncidence? Lucky star? In any case, the paths of Pale Waves and The 1975, two bands with similar sonorities yet unique identities, which get along musically, cross for the best. And we understand now why Matty Healy (singer of The 1975) took them under his wing! He also co-produced «There’s a Honey» and «Television Romance», Pale Waves’ first studio singles released in early 2017. Only two months later, the young quartet flew to the US as the support act for The 1975, which included a stop at the legendary Madison Square Garden. And that’s not all since their new mentor Matty Healy also directed the visual for «Television Romance», nominated in the category «Best Video» at the NME Awards 2018. Such a dazzling success in a very short time!

« I feel like, especially young people, they go through a lot of situations like that because you try to figure yourself out - who it is you want to be - and I’m still trying to figure myself out. I confuse myself sometimes, so I feel like a lot of people can relate and find ease with someone else saying it. »

Their success is mainly due to a unique composition that exudes experience and truth. The songs composed by

Pale Waves could be the soundtrack of anyone’s life in a transitional period of their existence. And that’s what makes it such an authentic group that provokes raw emotions. From teenage dramas to the loss of a loved one, or even social anxiety, the band claims an honest and confessional lyricism against a backdrop of 80s dark pop with swirling guitar and ambitious synths, without being kitschy.

Their first ever single «Television Romance» talks about a non-reciprocal attraction and the pressure it exerts while «There’s A Honey» expresses the doubt of the investment of a person who keeps creating problems in their relationship. «My Obsession» is a touching and melancholic love anthem that shows us what Pale Waves knows best: a sparkling pop and terribly catchy choruses while melodies explode from nowhere. To date, «There’s A Honey», «Television Romance» and «New Year’s Eve» have more than 10 million streams all together and contribute to the deserved fifth place the band has made itself in the renowned list of the BBC «Music Sound of 2018». The crucial stage of a first album is taking shape little by little, and should end before the end of the year. In the meantime, Pale Waves will release a first EP titled «All The Things I Never Said» to be released on March 16th, which will include «New Year’s Eve», «My Obsession» and two reworked demos. 2018 is the new 80’s and Pale Waves will shake up the world of pop this year by becoming one of the biggest bands of this generation. Be sure of it!

Listen if you are a fan of-

The 1975 obviously! But not exclusively. We can think of The Cure or Chvrches more recently.

One song to listen to-

« « My Obsession » if you want to be mesmerized by ethereal vocals combined to captivating melodies.

WordS by LUDIVINE DESUMEUR PHOTO : Phil Smithies for DIY

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