Leicester’s Gazelle returned recently with their new single ‘Violet Hour Blues’. It follows the success of the ‘Clementine’ back in July.
In 2020, Chesterfield’s The Crooks were on a roll with windswept Oasis-esque ballads. By the end of that year, they sadly imploded. It left a song-writing void that Gazelle have not only filled with ‘Violet Hour Blues’, but they’ve also surpassed them by adding lyrical depth and orchestration to kill for.
This aching character-driven tale lights up the ordinary and mundane like no other. They have The Verve’s ‘History’ at their fingertips with the lyrics and strings but, they go much further. The torment of Richard Hawley and the heart of Frank and Walters lift this to instant classic status.
The guitars pertain to the anguish of Andrew Cushin’s ‘Where’s My Family Gone’ & ‘Waiting For The Rain’ and Noel Gallagher’s regret-filled classics ‘Dying Of Light’ and ‘The Right Stuff’. Subtly and deftly adding licks only when needed. Less is so much more here.
Credence they carry into the guitar solo too. The obvious choice would have been to lift the mood-blistering escapist solo, a talent they are more than capable of. However, what emanates is a divine autumnal jingle-jangle to further enhance their credentials.
Gazelle’s new EP is on the horizon and is becoming the most sort after of the year on this basis.