More than a decade into the band’s career, Liverpool band Circa Waves take a fiercely DIY approach on their fifth record, led by the raging, rocked-out title track “Never Going Under.”
follow our Today’s Song(s) playlist
Stream: “Never Going Under” – Circa Waves
The roaring “Never Going Under” is as fitting an album intro as any, with a decisive, tight groove and roaring guitar that immediately demands your attention. It’s a fitting mission statement for a group that only seems to be getting bigger and better.
The LP is a unique product of the pandemic, which saw lead singer Kieran Shuddall become a father, write the record and eventually, produce the album himself. Few groups have that kind of versatility within their own ranks, resulting in a record that Circa Waves call their most wide-ranging yet.
Of the album, Shuddall says it’s “a snapshot of the fear we all feel today and the resilience we will need to get through it.” The title track sums it up in succinct fashion in just over two minutes, a sort of chest-beating, fist-in-the-air sentiment that’s full of swagger and spirit.
I wake up streamlined
Is this the day that I die
Throw my things in the fire
Let em burn for a while
When Shuddall sings, “Is this the day that I die? Throw my things in the fire, let it burn for a while,” it’s as if you can almost see the snarl through the other side of your speakers.
The meaning behind the track itself goes much deeper than one might expect, Shuddall notes.
“The songs on the album are written differently from the previous work we’ve put out,” Shuddall said. “They are written from the perspective of my son and also from my own current experience of the climate today.”
“‘Never Going Under’ speaks to that uniquely modern phenomenon of genuinely not knowing what type of world our kids are going to find themselves in in 30 years,” Shuddall adds.
“Physically, environmentally, politically – we are completely in the unknown. That scares us all, but ultimately we know we can never give up on the future, because how can you?
This room is made for me and you
For me and you
Yeah, this room is made for me and you
For me and you
No one gets high like we do
Baby they try to pull us down but we’re never going under
But we never going under
Even the album cover speaks to resilience and forward motion in spite of a crashing world all around – a horse is depicted charging into battle, his rider brandishing a weapon.
“Never Going Under” comes to a crashing close with an electric peel of guitar, and the statement that, yet again, Circa Waves are “never going under.” Consider it a battle cry for a new day and age.
I wake up streamlined
Is this the day that I die
Throw my things in the fire
Let em burn for a while
This room was made for me and you
For me and you
Yeah, this room was made for me and you
For me and you
But no one gets high like we do
Kills the time like we do
Wonders why like we do
Feels alive like we do
Yeah no one gets high like we do
Baby they try to pull us down
but we’re never going under
But we never going under
The track joins recent LP singles like the ethereal “Living in the Grey,” which calls to mind the anthemic, soaring swells of the best Gang of Youths tracks – cliche though it might be, this LP surely has something for every sonic palette.
The diversity of the LP perhaps speaks to the diverse all-hands-on-deck approach the group takes, from Shuddall’s producer duties to guitarist Joe Falconer directing its music videos. Bassist Sam Rourke oversees the look and feel of the band’s revved-up live shows, and drummer Colin Jones handles social media, for good measure.
If ever there were a band to close ranks and get even stronger with a committed DIY approach, Circa Waves are a fitting template to follow in a turbulent music industry.
There’s a realization close at hand that when you do things your own way, when you refuse to back down and when you take a stand for what you believe in, inner peace is often closer than one might think.
“I’m not trying to be particularly cool anymore,” Shuddall says. “I’m happy just to write the songs that make me happy and make the band happy. I think the best art is when you serve yourself first, and then hope that people jump on board afterwards.”
— —
:: stream/purchase Never Going Under here ::
Stream: “Never Going Under” – Circa Waves
— — — —
Connect to Circa Waves on
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
? © Lewis Vorne
:: Today’s Song(s) ::
follow our daily playlist on Spotify
:: Stream Circa Waves ::
