Song of the Day - Along for the Hyde

Today's song of the day comes from Manchester-based indie-rock band Mutineers. They brand their own music as 'melancholic pop', but I feel they are also an indie rock band. They have drawn comparisons to bands such as The Smiths, due to lead singer Nicholas Mallins' unique vocals and the downcast themes that run through their songs. However, this is not to say they are a depressing band - musically they are fairly upbeat and their songs are fit for any mood.

They have one album, called Friends, Lovers, Rivals, which has not received a whole lot of attention but their fanbase is growing and they are touring the UK very soon. (I have a ticket to see them in Brum.)

This is Hyde Road:

 

So What's So Good?

 

 

A slow ascending start that grows into a catchy chorus make up the structure of the song, but there's so much more. Mutineers are a synth-heavy band, which shines through in parts of the song, combining with the guitar to form a lovely retro sounding melody. Hyde Road is as much an 80's song as it is modern indie music; an unusual combination.

 

Mallins' vocals are unique and certainly not to everyone's tastes, but they fit the theme of 'melancholic pop' perfectly, with a powerful yet tearful feel. His voice could easily fit much slower, more desolate music (much like some of The Smiths' songs) which Mutineers are not averse to. Landlord's Daughter is a Mutineers song which is a lot slower.

 

Hyde Road is an emotional journey through a slower start through to the radiant chorus and outro. It's a well written song with some catchy rhythms and a unorthodox vocal performance which is akin to marmite - love it or hate it.

 

Give Mutineers a listen and come see them in Birmingham on the 30th April, if you like what you hear.