Leicester's Gazelle have been tearing through 2019 like a whirlwind. Their new single is no let-up either. 'Have You Found Forever Now?', recorded with the legendary Gavin Monaghan sees them build upon then intelligent working class lyrics and escapist rock n roll.
On their debut EP ' Young Blood', an army of influences (The Enemy, The Rifles, The Courteeners) outlined their outsider credentials. Whilst musically, 'Forever' remains in this mold, lyrically it takes Tom Clarke’s Lowry-esque depictions and Liam Fray’s emotive every-man styles to stride out beyond them both.
Musically, the rasping guitars of The Rifles and The Enemy remain in the early part: kicking and screaming their way to hearts and minds. However, the combination of Noel Gallagher's key changes, The Cure-esque solo and the raucous production of Suepergrass circa 'Life On Other Planets' breeds life into their sound.
Lyrically though, is where 'Forever' shines. Ryan Dunn has combined a Clarke and Weller sharpness with the universality of Gallagher, the wit of Damon Albarn and a huge splice of Ashcroft at his “fuck you” best.
The tension Dunn builds from images of internal hurricanes is palpable. In the mire of Brexit, the poor are being left behind, not buy Dunn! This romantic tale hits the brink (“can we turn it around”) and then fires them back into the sunset with the line “Don’t let go if you’ve found forever now”.
Britain has felt so shit, for so long, the modernised messages of ‘All You Need Is Love’ and ‘Live Forever’ will bring tears to your eyes. ‘Forever’ leaves you with the notion that nothing can stand in your way. Gazelle have hit a vein of form here that simply put, has to elevate them to big audiences, now!