We have mentioned the very same thing about the band before, but Now, Now really aren’t the usual Punktastic fodder. The band’s distinct female vocal and eerie synth driven mid-tempo alt-indie isn’t going to appeal to all of our readers, but they’re a band that, in essence, are sat firmly in the “alternative’ category – the songwriting is anything but run of the mill.
As previous monicker “Now, Now Every Children”, the band’s debut full length ‘Cars’ was lo-fi in comparison and arrived with less fanfare than ‘Threads’, but the same basic building blocks are there and the music is still very much understated. Ambling and pretty, ‘Threads’ sometimes strays a little close to fading into the background, but that’s largely because Cacie Dalager’s lead vocal is hypnotising enough in places to relax.
‘The Pull’ introduces the album with an airy synth and vocal trade off before ‘Prehistoric’ begins the album proper with what can be regarded as the definitive Now, Now sound.
‘Lucie, Too’ sees the band upbeat and bringing their indie-punk influences closer to the surface in the verses (counteracting a half time high register vocal and synth pad driven chorus), and it’s clear from here on in that the band’s sound is refined from all their previously releases.
‘Dead Oaks’ and ‘School Friends’ were recently released on a teaser EP for the album, and of the unheard tracks that remain, the swift ‘Thread’ and majestic album closer ‘Magnet’ are probably the strongest, but the album’s so well structured that it’s really best listened to in order and as a whole.
Now, Now are a band that don’t need to shout to get their point across, don’t need to distort to grab your attention and don’t have to overcomplicate to impress. ‘Threads’ is a true contender for album of the year, and a fine continuation of the band’s distinct ability to make progressive and alternative indie/pop sound like (and made a fine soundtrack to) a walk in the park. Not for everyone, but a very special album nonetheless.
TOM AYLOTT