The Front Bottoms are a great addition to your music collection, but a nightmare when it comes to organising your iTunes library; an indie-folk, punk-tinged, alt-rock entanglement, they defy all labels and create their own unique and enticing sound. This sound translates clearly into new song ‘HELP’, the third single from upcoming album Back On Top.
Seven seconds into the song and, thanks to a synth-like keyboard introduction, it is already clear to see how The Front Bottoms manipulate juxtaposing sounds to achieve musical success. As the keyboard part falls away, lead singer Brian Sella’s vocals begin, rapidly laying down the opening lyrics “Some of us go through some changes / Some of us go through some phases” in an again-clashing upbeat yet vaguely monotonous tone. Cheery music paired with emotive lyrics, ‘Help’ is another example of why the New Jersey-based group deserve the almost cult-like following they have been attracting over the past few years.
An albeit repetitive but unashamedly catchy summer anthem, The Front Bottoms have noticeably strayed from their 2011 self-titled effort The Front Bottoms and its more angst-filled tracks, such as ‘Swimming Pool’ and ‘Bathtub’, but have stuck relatively close to 2013’s more lively Talon Of The Hawk with their new single; progression is a natural part of a band’s existence and they have impressively managed to grow without distorting themselves. Between the solid sound of ‘HELP’ and the fervour with which previous singles ‘West Virginia’ and ‘Cough It Out’ were received, Back On Top already promises to be a momentous release from The Front Bottoms.
New album Back On Top is due to be released on September 18 via Fueled By Ramen, and is currently available to pre-order.
Catch The Front Bottoms on tour with Kevin Devine and The Goddamn Band across the UK and Europe in early 2016.
Words by Heather Moss