Wigan’s Stanleys release their second single ‘Measures in Gold’ on the 18th March. The success of ‘A Better Life’ (full review here) brought them a huge support slot with fellow Wigan outfit The Lathums. How far can this single take them?
‘Measured In Gold’ is both a damming indictment of the times and, crucially, an aspirational tale of the future. Lyrically, they attack the continued big business choice of greed over people. The sense of struggle most of us feel is palpable, yet, through the lush harmonies and shimmering guitars, hope for change remains strong.
Musically, they continue to melt hearts and enlighten souls. They have freeing depth to their playing, similar to the recent Edwyn Collins records but more vital.
Bands who profess ‘love is all you need’ are ten a penny these days. Few can back up the sentiment with a decent melody. Stanleys can. There is cinematic quality to their gritty indie anthems that is simply undeniable.
Despite the message, ‘Measured In Gold’ is, above all else, a melodic runaway train. The poet vs the philosopher has been an artistic debate as old as time. Who carries more weight? The answers, for music, are subjective (mostly). What Stanleys have proven on ‘Martyr’, ‘A Better Life’ and now ‘Measured In Gold’, is, there is a third way. A straddling of the two camps can be found. Food for thought for anyone seeking political change.
