One of 2013’s success stories has to be Glasgow trio Chvrches. They came fifth in the Sound of 2013 shortlist and walked away from South by Southwest with the Developing Non-US Act Award and their single ‘The Mother We Share’ was voted single of the year by Popjustice. So it is with great excitement that I bring you another synth-pop act out of the city firmly set on breaking into the limelight this year.
Think the hard hitting electronic core of Chvrches with a healthy dose of radio friendly, energetic pop choruses perfected by the likes Bastille and a measure of a White Lies-esque stadium filling grandeur and you’ll find yourself in Prides territory. There’s also a strong nod to the 80s, as lead vocalist and pianist Stewart Brock has explicitly cited inspiration from the emotion and depth of pop tunes from people like The Cure, Roxy Music, Simple Minds and Tears for Fears. Completed by Callum Wiseman (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Lewis Gardiner (drums, production), the band have exploded into the media spotlight in February with debut EP and statement piece ‘The Seeds You Sow’.
The titular track, joined by ‘Cold Blooded’ and ‘Messiah’, showcase the band’s early knack of writing solid hooks complimented by bold, brash and anthemic melodies destined to be enthusiastically sung along to by hordes of fans that are slowly but surely accumulating. A slick cover of Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ hasn’t damage their case either, attracting a lot of attention online. With features on some of the most notable UK and international blogs, being picked up by Island Records and having now accumulated significant airplay on XFM and Radio 1, it’s difficult to bet against success for these guys. Just like their Glaswegian successors, the band went Stateside in March to hit up legendary Texas festival South by Southwest. That was immediately followed by a short tour of the US before a homecoming gig as the 02 ABC as the momentum gathers. Putting everything into their shows and enjoying themselves as much as they can, the trio are making quality music for the sheer love of it.
Prides are certainly a band you’re going to become familiar with in the coming months.
