Glasgow serves as the second sample of Pale Waves’ upcoming fourth album Smitten, to be released on 20th September via Dirty Hit, ahead of an extensive UK tour in October. The song follows lead-single Perfume, an infectious alt-rock tune.
This new single, which will open the album, sees Pale Waves uphold their ‘80s inspirations. From the synths and jangly guitars to the driving snare and lyrical themes of heartbreak and escapism, the sounds of Manchester’s eclectic indie heritage continue to run deep in the veins of their songwriting.
“Glasgow is my favourite from Smitten,” Lead singer, Heather Baron-Gracie has been quoted as saying,
It’s about leaving someone because you know it’s no good for either of you anymore. It somehow breaks my heart but also makes me feel euphoric at the same time.
This sentiment is tastefully reinforced by the bittersweet instrumentals of the track, which sound arena ready.
The accompanying music video cements the coming-of-age vibes of the track, and is exactly what one may expect after listening to the song, starring Heather Baron-Gracie as a runaway bride, taking to the road in a convertible sports car. Is it a cliché? Absolutely, but in this case it is welcome, and serves the song exactly.
The current offerings from the new record find Pale Waves comfortable and at ease with their sound. While it may be fair to make the criticism that their old work might be derivative in parts, the latest singles demonstrate a welcome evolution in their songwriting, and it is clear that the future of this band is bright.
Pale Waves are currently on the road in the US, close to completing a full tour support with PVRIS, returning to the UK for a handful of festival performances over the summer before embarking on a freshly announced UK tour. Full details below
AUGUST
Sat 03 DERBYSHIRE Y Not Festival
Sun 04 KENDAL Calling Festival
OCTOBER
Thu 03 NORWICH Waterfront
Fri 04 LIVERPOOL O2 Academy
Sat 05 MANCHESTER Neighbourhood Festival
Sun 06 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Tue 08 BRIGHTON Chalk
Wed 09 BRISTOL O2 Academy
Thu 10 SHEFFIELD Foundry
Fri 11 DUNDEE Fat Sams
Sun 13 GLASGOW SWG3
Mon 14 NEWCASTLE Boiler Shop
Tue 15 BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Thu 17 LONDON HERE @ Outernet
Tickets available from: https://palewaves.co.uk/live/
Review By Ben Smith
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