A pared down, eighties-style guitar lick. The word ‘daydreaming’. A sudden flare up and crash into an anthemic chorus. These are what welcome us to Sounds Like a Storm’s new single, ‘Make It Better’, a belter of an indie rock song with shades of glam, Johnny Marr and early Arctic Monkeys.
Written about frontman Sennen Ludman’s experiences whilst his dad was in hospital, the song details the need for escape and for positivity, culminating in a chorus where “we can make it better” is the resounding statement. There’s a feeling of drive, energy, and joyous lashing out in the song, which also has shades of Wolf Alice and The Libertines, especially in Ludman’s snarling but melodic vocals.
Lyrically the song is prescient. As Ludman says: “This feeling of isolation and loneliness felt unusual at the time, but now for everyone in the world through the pandemic has become almost second nature”. It’s a perfect time to release the track—when everyone can share the tension and need for release.
The band is tight and driven, especially in the opening build up, which carefully layers guitar, drums and bass into a frenetic explosion. Although not quite as glam rock as their press release might suggest, they’ve taken the boot stomping fun of the genre and mixed it in with a few gallons of guitar rock, that calls to mind the best of the genre while providing a breath of fresh air.
‘Make it Better’ is a strong entry into the singles market. Mixing the best of glam and indie, but with a pulse-pounding energy, ironic and engaging frontman, and tightly driven, talented band, Sounds Like a Storm are 100% ones to watch.
Words by Issy Flower
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