about-faces have released their new single, ‘Learn to Surf’. Recorded at Greenmount Studios in Leeds, it was produced by Jamie Lockhart and mastered by Felix Davis at Metropolis Studios in London.
*banner image credit: Barnaby Fairley
Artwork credit: Livestock Studios
Learn To Surf’s origins began on frontman Sennen Ludman’s camping holiday. Staring out to the ocean, his friend Noah uttered the phrase, ‘If you can’t stop the waves, learn to surf.’ This profound uttering ignited a spark of inspiration within the band. Lyrics of defiance and poignant piano parts flowed from Sennen, but it wasn’t until last October, when the bassist rearranged it, that it all came together.
Sennen’s lyrics connect the harrowing to the inspiring, dependent on mood. The hook of ‘If you can’t stop the waves, learn to surf’ , alongside the euphoria of the sonic build, has the potential to drag people under as much as it uplifts. It brings a relentless pressure which, if fragile, should come with a warning. Ultimately though, the goodwill out, and no matter if you think all hope is gone, if a loved one is, or when eternal love fractures and fades, learn to surf. Life is going to come at you relentlessly; embrace it!
Wave upon wave of resilience emerges from a band that, four singles in, has found a formula that could see them emulate the indie gods of Arcade Fire and TV on the Radio.