Listen to ... Archways – MAD-ADAM
East Londoners’ third single oozes polish, personality and practice.
Image credit: Archways
Though in its infancy, Archways’ identity feels well-established. Stalk the standout quintet’s Instagram and you’ll see a litany of covers; from Coldplay’s Yellow, to Believe In Yourself, the theme song from Arthur. Kudos to any band that dares take it on. It gives you a taste of what the band is all about; polished, well-done indie pop that even the most pedantic pop sceptics can’t ignore.
MAD-ADAM is no exception: a reflective, romanticised indie love song, reminiscing over loss and told through allusions to film. That’s the rough idea, even if it does the track an injustice. It’s a space that the band are increasingly proficient in; well-executed tracks that could likely be heard in both the most mainstream radio stations, or the most niche back-alley record stores.
Though the song’s beginning might surprise you. It teases something else; something raw and primal in its wailing, siren-like tones and rumbling beat. The track swells and pulsates. Beneath the surface, the foundations of a clear-cut, guitar-driven hit emerge, as MAD-ADAM then lists for a moment; a harmonious riffs teases what’s to follow.
It's a warm, welcome surprise that manages expectations for what’s to come. And this is when Archways find their stride, making for a toe-tappingly infectious future indie anthem that meets your hopes of the genre while still feeling fresh. That’s partially due to the single’s excellent mix – a running theme throughout the band’s body of work.
When fading into a quiet verse, the band sense an opportunity to play with the mix further. Flourishes – such as how the guitar goes from side to side in stereo during the second verse – are done tastefully and with restraint; another tiny hook to keep you immersed without being needlessly flashy to distract from the lyrics or established tone the track has already created.
Listen a little more to MAD-ADAM’s beginning and end, and the band’s commitment becomes apparent; layers upon layers emerge after each replay. An airy and atmospheric delayed tone melts into the background as the vocals gently emerge to the fore. In all, it makes for a sombre, but uplifting symphony, particularly at the track’s conclusion.
I sound dull here. But I’ve really grown to appreciate simple songs, done well. And that’s by no means a slight on MAD-ADAM – quite the opposite. It’s polished within an inch of its life and a more than capable foundation for the band’s future growth. Considering it’s only their third single, Archways show promise beyond their years.
Find out for yourself. Check out MAD-ADAM on Spotify; have a nosey at Archways’ socials and, while you’re at it, take a look at the Rave Reviews Instagram, too.