In other news, The Blinders show off the fruits of their first work as a five piece. The intent remains the same.

Release Date: 14th January 2022

Label: stream / download

Format: digital

“We’re a five-piece now instead of a three. It takes care of our previous limitations and is probably the best decision we’ve made. It’s also the best stuff we’ve written. “

If that’s not enough to evoke a hint of curiosity about the recent adventures of the erstwhile – albeit ‘limited’ -explosive trio, then maybe there’s no hope.

The Blinders recently concluded a string of headline shows across the UK, using the shows as an opportunity to debut their new line up including our first encounter with The Blinders big band at the 2021 Tramlines Festival. Frontman Thomas Haywood and bass guitarist Charlie McGough have been joined by second guitarist Eoghan Clifford, drummer Thomas Castrey and Johnny James on keys.

The new additions add a deeper, more uncompromising layer to their sound; some of you may have had a taster with The Lounge Lizard Session showcasing some of the back catalogue in the new five piece arrangements.

Of the new songs, the title track spins out in familiar fashion. The missing link between the old and the new. The rise of a new epoch from the ashes of their formative days, emerging with an echoing guitar line and tumble of drums. A hint of the Psychedelic hovers into view as Haywood grooves out on the “electric kool-aid” line in hypnotic fashion.

The sense is of some lightning of the darkness on which they made their name. The oppression on hold or in smaller doses as the lush melodies start to wash over us. The New Wave vibe on City That We Call Love; all stark rhythm and angular guitar while The Writer picks up a fervent pace, slowing for a vaguely Gothic middle eight, putting the wild (and occasionally aggressively intimidating) abandon briefly on hold.

Once again though, more restrained and in control but no less intense. I like this new expanded band. They even tick the retro box with the lively bounce on I Hate To See You Tortured and although not a band I know well, could it be that the quintet have been listening a lot to The Cure?

Speaking about the new EP, vocalist and guitarist Thomas Haywood has explained how the new songs have emerged from some form of jam state.“We’d record everything in the rehearsal room and I’d go home and listen back, choose the best parts and write lyrics to them. I’d bring it back to the band and we’d play it to death… constantly cutting down and layering as we go along. Nothing is accidental this time round. Everything is on purpose. ” With The Blinders, could it be any other way?

Here’s City We Call Love from the EP:

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