Forget everything you know about Five O Fives. It’s obvious that they aren’t going to play the game.
Their first single, ‘Through the Darkness’, was tense and dramatic. The lyrics told of alienation and detachment, of post-university frustrations, of depression and contempt. Musically, it was thunderous and fervent. As introductions go, it promised a serious but satisfying road ahead.
‘Something To Do’ is one hell of a curve-ball, a cocktail of captivating guitars and a joyous chorus. It begins with a gently lilting strum and stinging six-string motif reminiscent of 90s alt poppers. The gentle but genial vocals of Alice Bloor then kick in, and though the topics remain weighty (“the drinks are not working anymore”, “I’m shaking and falling to the ground”), the music remains choppy and chipper.
Once the terrific guitar solo smothers proceedings, you forget you’re stuck inside on a snowy January and feel the warmth of a Miami beach, at a teenage house party. If American Pie was still documenting the highs and lows of teen life, ‘Something To Do’ could have easily found its way onto the soundtrack.
Five O Fives, along with former Song of the Week-ster Graywave, are another product of the Richard Morgan Musical College of Excellence (otherwise known as Indie Midlands). The man knows talent. But each act offers something different, and Five O Fives are displaying both diversity and maturity in equal measure. It would be foolish to guess where Five O Fives go from here but, two singles in, the element of surprise is damn irresistible.
Listening to them isn’t just “something to do” – it’s something to make you happy.
Words by Sam Lambeth
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