Brontës are a four-piece Glasgow-based indie pop band formed in 2021, known for danceable tunes and relatable lyrics. The band consists of Eva Watt (vocals/guitar), Amelia Haldane (drums/vocals), Erin (guitar/vocals), and Katie (bass/vocals). Their self-titled debut album is set for release this month which was recorded at Ayrshire’s Beetroot Studio with Stuart MacLeod who was also involved with Scottish legends The Bluebells recent release.
The wonderfully titled `Cognitive Dissonance` kicks us off and although the title suggests the mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes, or when behaviours clash with beliefs, it`s a really light and breezy offering with some delightful harmonies, shimmering riffs, and some lovely drum rolls. A number that explores feelings of jealousy and anger.
I`m sure most of us went through those adolescent clumsy times when we`d just discovered the wonders of the opposite sex and were encouraged to find out if a person of interest was interested in you or your friend. The lyrics and musical accompaniment to `Asking For a Friend` kind of mirrors those embarrassing but so naïve and innocent times.
Wouldn’t Be Me` is a view on disliking someone’s boyfriend, knowing their standards should be higher and a playful request to dump him and move on, all set against a rhythmic foot tapping, head nodding beat. The contemplative `San Francisco` which talks of the misfortune of right person, wrong time, brought to mind my brother in law. A gentle soul who was adopted at birth and just wants his own family that he can protect but always ends up with partners that take advantage of him or have deep seated problems. The ones that seemed right reflected the sentiment of this title. A tender slow burn with vocals that really emphasise that feeling of disappointment and regret.
`Mixed Signals` has a wonderful bassline that drives this questioning number along with its sentiment that this behaviour leaves a person uncertain about another’s true feelings or intentions, often showing interest while simultaneously keeping their distance. The movie `Thelma and Louise` became a cultural touchstone for its depiction of women taking control of their lives after experiencing sexual assault and entrapment, culminating in an iconic, defiant ending that symbolizes ultimate liberation. The track has the vibe of heading out on a journey and kind of echoes the film`s theme.
There`s a shimmer to `Bad Manners` with the bass and drum really driving this number forward and allowing a platform for vocals that have a real depth. We have in `I Think I love You` a meditation on meeting somebody who seems to be the right one but are they??, a gentle and endearing listen.
`Wake Up and Its Gone` brought to mind Wilson Phillips and the easy going gentle harmonies that the trio were known for. The final track `Jigsaw` has a kind of Stevie Nicks feel with the title maybe a metaphor with assembling a puzzle representing bringing order to chaos, reflecting the synthesis of fragmented experiences into a cohesive whole.
There was so much to enjoy on Brontës debut release with tunes that had a rhythmic and melodic shimmer with some delicious harmonies and lyrics that did offer some food for thought. Another superb up and coming band to add to the many that have gone before from The Second City or The Dear Green Place .
Rating 8.5 / 10
