Acoustic quartet Above Bar released their debut single ‘Versa Vice’ this week, in perfect timing for the summery weather that has graced the British Isles. The Southampton-based band’s first single is classic easy-going acoustic, with Dan Gilliver’s soft but edgy vocals adding a slight pop-punk element to the chilled-out track. My first association on hearing the song was to All Time Low’s acoustic version of ‘Coffee Shop Soundtrack’, which is better than the full-band original. If that’s the kind of vibe you like from your acoustic music, Above Bar will be right up your street.
The song is a tale of opposites, as suggested by the title. The lyrics discuss dilemmas, of “do we flee or do we fight? / Do we fall to the ground or do we take flight?” making it somewhat emotionally charged, alongside the mellow and honest sentiment of “the world doesn’t care but I ain’t got a care in the world.”
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/201591549″]
The modest but catchy chord progression, performed by guitarists Rob Noyce and Dan Gilliver, complements Gilliver’s vocals. Meanwhile (best mobile packages in Pakistan), soft, subtle piano by Noyce adds a nice touch to the background of the track, contrasted skilfully with Tom Shakespeare’s smooth, aesthetic drums. Each member of the band has something special to offer, and this south-coast band will certainly be one to watch on the indie scene over the coming months.
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Words by Rachael Davis