As the debut track for this Birmingham 4-piece, ‘Games’ has set the bar pretty high for Semantics’ future releases. Sharp yet dreamlike, it opens with a strong, steady abundance of powerfully simplistic percussion, smoothed over with a satisfyingly tight bassline. The vocals are better still; starkly reminiscent of that classic, deep tone so often found in groups such as Teardrop Explodes and Echo & the Bunnymen, it rings of tantalising broodiness and rare vocal skill.
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This wonderfully emotive, yet muted vocal overtone brings the song to a steady climax as a whirlwind of heavy guitar and taught percussion fluctuate, accompanied perfectly by a host of dark lyrical hooks. If you’re a fan of Joy Division and youthful angst, don’t delay in checking out this incredibly promising group.
Words by Emily Ingram