Bollards and the dangerous and beautiful daring do's of 'Crimestopping' (Official Video)

 

photo by Mars Washington & Jonny Dickens


The wonderfully creative and gnarly 'Crimestopping' from London four piece alt rockers Bollards begins with a massively textured bass sound. It feels like a caustic synth but also feels like a giant acoustic jazz bass string, maybe down tuned. It is an incredibly punchy sensual thing. In fact all the sonics from the drums to the guitars and keys feel incredibly different. So different that at times I am guessing what I am listening to. The shifting narrative with it's proto punkian shapes and progressive directions are utterly surprising and provide this undulating framework for vocalist Jonny Dickens to tell curious stories. 

Oh, by the way, there is a point when that bass note may of turned into a deep acoustic piano note or notes or maybe it is just me imagining things, there are springy tones, nimble eclectic guitar pull offs in sequences that feel like a degrading memory. There is, in fact, too much happening to describe. But it is gorgeous in it's obtuse language. Listening to 'Crimestopping' feels like driving down a winding mountain road at night with the lights off and only the moon casting enough light to avoid driving off cliffs. It is exhilarating, crazy but life affirming. 

I dig this. Oh, and there is a cool Official Video. Press notey stuff reveal:

[Arriving with an accompanying music video which sees vocalist Jonny Dickens lost in a world of multi-level surveillance, a Big Brother-esque universe where it is unclear whether the protagonist is being policed or policing. The video conquers up an outward anxiety and tension which builds to the point where there is nothing left to do but run from the unfolding dystopian nightmare.]

Enjoy and then dream. 

-Robb Donker Curtius  

THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

https://www.facebook.com/bollardsbollardsbollards/

https://bollards.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/album/6VWSLtJ4XNMTXRPPSLA9HC


Hailing from London’s creative underbelly, Bollards started as the bedroom recording project of songwriter and vocalist Jonny Dickens, who moonlights as the guitarist for North London outfit Fake Turins.

Finding momentum within the creative worlds of noise and experimental-spirited acts such as Deerhoof, the constantly changing musical identities of Wire or The Fall and the jerky riffs and earworm hooks of XTC - Bollards was born.


Bollards, art rock, alt rock, indie rock, proto punk, art punk, divergent pop, 'Crimestopping', London, 4 piece, avant garde, progressive,