"Pull the left one / Pull right, open trap door / She's a witness / He is a whore / You ask for silence / You ask for more / There is an answer / A comical flaw..."
There is something nostalgic, something gloriously theatrical about "The Witness" by Southend-On-Sea, Essex, England based Rounds. When I say theatrical, I mean the kind of band that dresses up some on stage, that gaze off in the distance when singing with an outstretched hand. This is not to say that any of these ideas in my head are truthful. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Robert Cooper (vocals, synths), Ashley Kemp (drums, samplers), Andrew Chapman (guitars, synths), and Andrew McGarrigle (bass) live but it is what I imagine hearing the vastness of the sound.
It is the kind of aesthetic that feels nostalgic, I think of the early naughts when bands like Interpol, Suede and Arcade Fire did dress up (a rebound to grunge ). Dig the wanderlust, the longing, the walls of sound, the booming bass lines, the tambourine strikes (or thereabouts) with seeds in heartland rock and Phil Spector illusions.
From press notes:
["The Witness," on September 8th. Inspired by The National, Manic Street Preachers, and The Cure, the track delves into the concept of an unfeeling observer controlling humanity, responsible for all suffering as well as beauty. Drawing parallels to the cold unrelenting forces of nature, humankind’s ability for violence but also love.]
I am an integer,
Shotgun refiller.
Led by violence,
I end the killer.
Death roll,
In the reed beds.
Hold hands,
When the film ends.
Shotgun refiller.
Led by violence,
I end the killer.
Death roll,
In the reed beds.
Hold hands,
When the film ends.
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://www.facebook.com/roundsofficial
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Z2LgTdMR8SQdRV61GgDn5
https://www.youtube.com/@roundsvevo2444
https://rounds.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/roundsofficial/
Hailing from Southend-On-Sea, Essex, Rounds comprises Robert Cooper (vocals, synths), Ashley Kemp (drums, samplers), Andrew Chapman (guitars, synths), and Andrew McGarrigle (bass). Their sonic alchemy intertwines vocals, electronics, and live instruments, resulting in an unparalleled fusion of indie vibes and pulsating basslines.
Rounds has been making waves since their 2013 'Falter' EP, gaining recognition across Radio 1, 6 Music, and Radio X. Their debut album 'We’ve Met Before,' released in 2017 under the Blind Colour label, solidified their presence. Notably, their haunting track "Die Dreaming," described as a "Radiohead-like tune with a dark but ambient tone" by Indie Shuffle, earned an unlikely spot on the soundtrack of Australia's beloved TV soap, 'Home And Away.'
With their new single, "The Witness," released on 8 September 2023, Rounds continues to captivate audiences through thought-provoking lyricism and innovative soundscapes. The band's evocative exploration of life's complexities promises to leave an indelible mark on listeners.
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