THE PAINTING’S ‘BEFORE THE RAIN’: A POWERFUL POP PROGRESSION

ALBUM REVIEW | THE PAINTING – BEFORE THE RAIN by Morgan Hermiston

Over a year since the album “Life Is Not Linear“, The Painting are back under a new identity, picking up where Arcade State left off. Following a systematic campaign of four striking single releases, The Painting release their debut record, “Before The Rain“. The 13-track production promises uncomfortable truths, uncertainty, and honesty, layered with a sonically eclectic energy.

The six-piece take the alt-rock persona of Arcade State and change it into a softer, yet sill impactful, amalgamation of pop, indie, and rock. Vocalising a range of raw lyrics is frontman Ciaran Murray, with Marta Leslie sharing this role alongside playing keys. The Painting is also made up of Jordan Murray on drums, Cammy Roxburgh and Jonny Emerson on guitar, with Lewis Taylor on bass.

The Painting have utilised this record to aid in their musical evolution. While pop is more prevalent in much of “Before The Rain“, it’s impossible to ignore your roots, so you’ll still find gritty guitar solos among big, catchy choruses. Opening track ‘Ride Alone‘ is incredible both as an introductory and standalone song. Featuring heartfelt harmonies from Ciaran and Marta, a layered and uplifting feel is created with accompanying bass and Sam Fender-esque guitar work.

The 1975 are another act that are excellent at this, and a group that The Painting have drawn influence from. ‘Scarlett‘, one of the singles, is very easy to listen to, and the layering of lyrics with a memorable melody is like some of The 1975’s later work, such as ‘Oh Caroline‘. Penultimate track ‘Empty Chairs‘ has an intro that resembles earlier songs like ‘The City‘.

Despite drawing influence from a variety of artists and bands, “Before The Rain” has demonstrated that building a distinctive identity is of importance to The Painting. ‘Empty Chairs‘ is a prime example of combining musical tastes with your own ideas, resulting in a collection of music that is unique. Final tune, ‘Waiting On The Storm‘ is similar, pulling inspiration while lending itself to the retro feel that The Painting have also incorporated.

Pushing this new pop persona, the band have created a set of songs that stick with you, but aren’t difficult to understand or listen to. ‘How Do We Go Find You‘ and ‘Can’t Go Back‘ are two tracks that really emphasise this. Second song ‘Don’t Go Crying Wolf‘ sounds as though The Painting have gone back in time, merging 80s pop with modern indie. “You don’t cry at all” is a lyric within a captivating chorus that you’ll find yourself singing along with in no time at all.

In a modern climate, it wouldn’t be an album without some sort of poignance, whether that’s political or poetic. “Before The Rain” has both. ‘The Disguise‘ is a track that talks against the idea of combat and war. Ciaran sings, “war is not a place to call home,” and “war is just a costume for the genocidal score“. The interlude is an anticipatory addition, a poetic piece that talks of how, “the rain arrives, a sweet release“. With this being included in the middle of the record, the words “my skin is shivering, not from the cold, but from the story yet untold“, are perfectly placed.

A lot of this record sees the group delving into the emotions surrounding uncomfortable situations, especially breakups. ‘Heart Still Beating‘, is portrayed almost as a letter to another person. It discusses a relationship ending, and the raw revelations as a result, wondering if they feel the same as you. ‘Two Weeks‘ is more of a ballad, with Ciaran’s vocals intricately moulding around the melody. It’s a softer song, honouring the hurt you feel through heartfelt harmonies and honest words, “I’m sick and tired of trying hard with you“.

The album’s debut single, ‘Imprint‘, and title track, ‘Before The Rain‘, are both standout tracks. ‘Imprint‘ includes picture painting portrayals encapsulated by an uplifting and brighter melody, an effervescent energy present throughout most of the track. ‘Before The Rain‘ is seven minutes in duration, but before that puts you off, it truly doesn’t feel as though it is that long. It cements the sentiments of the album, appearing to promote the message of accepting negative periods, that being the rain, but appreciating the positives despite this. It merges the band’s individual talents, sonically creating cohesion out of confusion.

“Before The Rain” is an album that surpasses the record released as Arcade State. There is more of a structure and a theme throughout this album, with messages and sentiments presented with increased clarity. The softer, ethereal feel uplifts deeper lyricism, adding a comforting layer at times to what is clearly an emotive and evolutionary journey. It is a record that has helped The Painting find their footing. Even vocals seem to be a lot more cohesive and powerful, more certainty and confidence being evident. This is an excellent record, and you can catch it at one of The Painting’s headline shows including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and a free entry London show.