BRAES NEW SINGLE IS AN ESSENTIAL LISTEN
SINGLE REVIEW | BRAES – KAFKAESQUE by Olivia McCallum
Another impeccable release from braes, new single ‘kafkaesque’ is a shoegaze post rock fusion which creates an immense soundscape. With cutting lyrics, perfectly paired with powerful vocals and phenomenal instrumentals, the band continue to experiment with new techniques and genres without straying too far from their sound.
James Sinclair and Alex Boyd‘s guitars hum and buzz beautifully and work so well with the booming drums provided by Logan Gordan. The lyrics on the track stab you right in the gut while the vocals twist the knife in deeper. Even the title, ‘kafkaesque’, is well fitting for a song with such bleak themes that align with (Franz) Kafka’s own existentialist works.
The two main vocalists on the track, Ross Richardson and Mia Wallace have amazing contrasting voices. I imagine the vocalists as the same person processing the same situation. One (Mia) in the beginning stages of realising the gravity of a situation and the other (Ross) feeling devestatingly angry upon reflection.
The track comes as the second single from the band’s upcoming sophomore EP of all the things i envy, set for release releasing 20th May; which after listening to ‘kafkaesque’, it’s hard not to be excited for.
The band will celebrate the EP release at QMU of the 21st May performing their hits and the new EP in full.
For fans of Slowdive, HUM and Bleech 9:3, ‘kafkaesque’ is an essential listen.
