North London’s The Roves capture the outsider’s experience in “Who’s Sleeping On The Throne,” a raw and volatile song full of inner tension.
“Who’s Sleeping On The Throne” – The Roves
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/574251873?secret_token=s-aQR6X” params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=true&visual=true&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]It’s never easy to be an outsider; as too many of us can say from experience, being the “other” in any group can inevitably lead to emotional grief, self-doubt, and insecurity. This can extend to every part of our lives – from social, to familial, to romance and beyond. The Roves capture the outsider’s experience in “Who’s Sleeping On The Throne,” a raw and volatile song full of inner tension.
It’s the musical manifestation of waking up in an unfamiliar place with a stranger in your bed. You don’t know who they are or how you got there; and what’s more, you don’t recognize yourself.
My arms they are shaking
my palms they are aching
and I’m so far away from home
I’m tired close to breaking,
poor enough to beg
but too proud to take it
they’re blind but to the
sides you choose to show
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering “Who’s Sleeping On The Throne,” the lead single off The Roves’ forthcoming sophomore album All Those Freaks (out 12th April 2019 via Meritorio Records). The North London project of James Wing, Tom Wing, Luke Evans and Brendan Monahan, The Roves emerged early last year with a self-titled debut album gleaming with bright jangle pop.
“Who’s Sleeping on the Throne” finds the British quartet returning with a burning, youthful glow. “I had broken 3 strings on my guitar, and used the other 3 to write this song,” principal songwriter James Wing says of the single. Emotionally adrift, “Who’s Sleeping on the Throne” finds The Roves already developing upon the spirited ’60s influence of their debut as they incorporate a raw folk rock flare that reflects as much of The Byrds as it does The Lumineers and Mt. Joy.
I’m all alone with some girl
I don’t know who she is, can you tell me who
is sleeping on the the throne?
go home
While it remains to be seen how All Those Freaks will differ from The Roves’ self-titled record, its first offering shows a band on the move — branching out of their nest into more nuanced tones, thoughts, and feelings. “This is our take on what it’s like to be a true outsider, a freak,” Tom Wing says of the upcoming sophomore record. “For people who feel like they’ve been completely misunderstood.”
“Who’s Sleeping on the Throne” isn’t necessarily a song about being the outsider in a crowd; rather, it’s a song of being an outsider in one’s own body: Of being lost in your own head, not quite knowing where you are in life, or to that end, where you’re supposed to be.
Stream The Roves’ “Who’s Sleeping On The Throne” exclusively on Atwood Magazine, and here’s to the outsiders, each finding their own path. The Roves will be on tour with Nick Waterhouse from 18 March through the month’s end – below for dates and more info!
My life is just waiting
what a time it is taking
when do I get to see the show?
What am I contemplating
it scares me half to death
but you know that I’ll shake it
Besides there’s only 20 hours to go
“Who’s Sleeping On The Throne” – The Roves
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