Manchester band Rivet City have a light but stripped back
sound that calls to mind Jake Bugg, Arctic Monkeys, and perhaps a drop of Ed Sheeran.
The Watcher, released on YouTube, with a video displaying lyrics,
has themes that are both self reflective and “kitchen sink” in the indie music
sense. Speaking of broken relationships and days on minimum wage, it brings a
welcome change from some of the glitzier pop songs around today, as well as
lyrics like “last dance in the room full of mannequins” giving a likeable bit
of weirdness.
Shimmery guitar melodies reminiscent of some of the mellower
songs by the red hot chilli peppers e.g. “Look around” and “under the bridge”
are layered over warm, punchy bass and tight, snappy drums. Raspy vocals that
are sung with the same hip hop influenced urgency that characterised Alex
Turner’s earlier days, (as well as, to a more subtle degree, Mike Skinner), help
add personality to the song.
If there are any points to suggest room for improvement, one
would be to develop and mature so as to not become lumped in with the many
other bands that have covered this ballpark before. Some of the melodies wear
the sound of bands like the strokes and Jamie T on their sleeves, for example. The
part of me that has a disposition towards the heavier end of alternative rock
would have liked to see a more raw, energetic chorus or climax to the song, a
la early Biffy Clyro or Idlewild.
All that said however, to those who want a sharp, immediate
pop/rock song and something to relate to, this song will not disappoint.
Review by Lawrence Peattie
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