Following the release of their 2014 debut album, Evergreen, New Zealand siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott aka. Broods have swapped their trademark, soothing, indie-pop vibe for ‘Free’: a synth-heavy creation that highlights a bold move into the electronic world and shows the growth of the duo’s lead vocalist. Released as the first taste of their upcoming sophomore album the track effortlessly works at pushing artistic boundaries whilst still benefiting from an unexpected reinvention.
‘Free’ starts out as an acoustic call for an escape before captivating wailing and a dramatic production change-up absorbs the listener completely. While the sound may be a vast departure for Broods in a stylistic sense, the focus on Georgia’s emotive vocals and lyrics still remain the same. However, instead of a tranquil, slightly fragile performance, Georgia seems to have toughened up massively as she embraces an independent life after walking out on a disappointing relationship.
However different this might sound to previous Broods material the indie sound is still present. It’s just been complimented with loud, infectious beats that demand attention and the destruction of the replay button. The track also has a massive, catchy chorus, which is a feature you usually can’t go wrong with, and it showcases brilliant, skilful songwriting.
Overall, ‘Free’ is a unique and refreshing change of pace for Broods and it’s exciting to see if this is a new sound they’ll adapt fully on their upcoming album.
Words by Caroline Oestergaard