‘Falling wide awake’ is the perfect balance between classic new-wave tones and modern indie, drawing from the best British troubadour tradition while looking at the contemporary. In a way, it’s the perfect record with a band with so much history and experience behind them. Based in Nottingham, Herds have been around for the best part of a decade, playing a myriad of shows supporting the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, Hawkwind and The Waterboys, among others. Some might know them as The Amber Herds, a name updated to their current signage after going through a personnel change only last year.
Stripped of their old identity, Herds approach their future with taste and purpose, and judging by what we hear in ‘Falling wide awake’, they are on the right path. As new-wave lovers, we deeply connect with the record. What’s surprising is how friendly and approachable the piece is, often borrowing meaningful and emotional features from folk and pop (‘Strange Caravans’, ‘Faith’), not afraid of an acoustic guitar. The same is true also about their lyricism and melodies.
Of course, the keen listener will also appreciate the more dreamy, noisy and intense offerings (such as ‘Station of The Cross’ and ‘Avalanche’). A celebratory show is planned at HRH Prog XII in Great Yarmouth, on Saturday 11th November.
Recommended! Discover ‘Falling wide awake’ on Spotify:
