I first came across Wellington quartet This Silent Divide a few years ago with their excellent single, “Lucinda”, since when I have followed their career with interest and even managed to see them live when they came up to Auckland (and have the t-shirt to prove it, thanks guys). With a line-up of Shaun Jones (vocals, guitar), Kieran Williams (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jonatan Jaworski (Bass) and Sunil Jolly (drums) they have a wonderful way of bringing together compelling hooks with a strong rock sensibility and with this number they have somehow managed to combine pop with a wall of guitar-based sound to produce something which is not only full of balls but also has a style which would fit very well indeed on rock radio (and could even damage the charts with the right amount of luck).
Lyrically it touches on themes of vulnerability and navigating personal relationships in the face of an uncertain future and while it was recorded in Wellington’s and produced by Toby Lloyd (Tiny Triumph Recordings), it was mastered in Germany by the well-respected Robin Schmidt (Placebo, Arctic Monkeys, Pixies, Royal Blood). He has managed to bring out the independent rocking sound while losing none of the power and commerciality which means this hits a great many bases indeed, and the result is something which is a wonderful introduction to an incredibly enjoyable band. If this the precursor of things to come, then I can’t wait.
Rating: 8/10
