I have always admired the few and far in between solo artists who conceive their sound and set off to produce it ostensibly by themselves. On one hand, having that ability might feel like a dream come true because as a single point of light it could be easier to focus all your creativity in the ways you want, capturing your concept without the distractions of finding players that can find their way through your vision. Sometimes, though, when solo artists do everything, the resulting piece of art can feel one dimensional. Being too focused may lack those happy diversions and accidents that in the writing process spark unbelievably inspirational moments.
When you listen to the celebratory sideways pop of The Happy Places by (UK) Newcastle's Spelks, the musical project of multi-instrumentalist Jonathon Sabiston (guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocals) it sounds so much like a band of individual players that you can see them in your head. As written, recorded and produced by Spelks (drums recorded at Blank Studios w/ Chris McManus), the track is feverishly up, infused with an almost manic sense of belief, belief that Sabiston was meant to shape his sound (for the most part) all by himself recorded in his small spare room in his Newcastle flat. While all the elements are on point, it may be Sabiston's inspired vocal aesthetic that may shine the most.
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:
Newcastle’s Spelks are delighted to announce the release of of their shimmering noise pop-inflected single, The Happy Places, out on 24th April 2020 via Montgomery Records.
The brainchild of Jonathon Sabiston (guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocals), Spelks was borne out of a desire to create a musical project without compromise, writing and recording all the parts himself. Recorded in a cramped spare room in his Newcastle based flat, The Happy Places perfectly encapsulates Spelks sparse, yet quirky, noise pop sound.
Opening with scuzzy, discordant guitar notes and a simple, yet effective, toe tapping drum beat, The Happy Places offers an uplifting, summery charm, playfully straddling the line between the new wave pop sensibilities of Squeeze and the lo-fi alt.rock associated with acts like Surfer Blood and Cloud Nothings.
Written about living with agoraphobia and anxiety, the themes contained within The Happy Places elements of which we can all relate to, and offers an uplifting message about the desire and ability we have to find hope and contentment within ourselves.
Written, recorded* and produced by Spelks
*Drums recorded at Blank Studios w/ Chris McManus
LYRICS
Cinematics make me crave where culture lives
The smiling people in Rome wake up happy
In a heavy weight duvet set I fight the urge
All my friendships waste away as I miss a good opportunity
It's gonna be a big problem
It's growing under my skin
And I wonder if I'll find the happy places from within
In a room full of dust and a broken bed
My thoughts ferment
You're heaven sent
We're lost in space
I rot into a suitcase
It's gonna be a big problem
It's growing under my skin
And I wonder if I'll find the happy places from within
It's gonna be a long journey
It's been six years coming
And I wonder if I'll find the happy places from within
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