Undeterred by Spotify’s influences, The Utopiates take their time on intros and solos alike. They’ve allowed rock ‘n’ roll to breathe once more. The results are nothing short of a perfect debut album.
The Utopiates – Ups and Downs
The Utopiates – Making History
London-based The Utopiates are on the road to their debut album release this May. A key stop-off is their latest single ‘Making History’ released last Friday via V2 Records.
Images and artwork courtesy of the band.
Last time out on ‘Illumanise’, their free-flowing edges sharpened on their Bowie meets Black Grape trip. It also kicked off their lyrical foray into the statement of intent territory which ‘Making History’ has doubled down on.
Frontman Dan Popplewell’s lyrics deftly reference Noel Gallagher’s Knebworth entrance (“I’m not up here making tunes I’m making history”) and Oasis’ live album ‘Familiar To Millions’ (“This music, I use it to ease my soul / And there’s millions familiar, it’s rock and roll”) as he lays bare the bands desire to succeed.
Whilst the Burnage boys had the songs and, their confidence was obviously in-built, they were however financially backed by Creation Records and latterly Sony. Despite being signed to V2, the precarious state of the music industry can ill afford three trips to Rockfields to get their sound right. The urgency, the desperate need to pull this off shines through everything here. Luke Nottingham’s bassline, as funked up as their previous work is more intense, directly burrowing its way to your soul whilst Popllewell’s vocals are set to attack mode! Meanwhile, Ed Godshaw takes the pop immediacy of Clint Boon’s keys out for a joyride with New Fast Automatic Daffodils climbing majesty.
Even Josh Redding’s penchant for meandering Hendrix and Squire solos has its foot on the accelerator. His solos, so often mid-rush pieces of bliss have transformed into a rabid elapsing moment of technicolour destruction.
Far less quality has risen to the top in recent months. With The Utopiates debut album on the horizon, the UK will finally have bona fide genius and independent spirit alike on top once again!
Click the image for tickets to their upcoming tour:
