Reading’s InAir bring us their first single of the year with the thundering new release – ‘Pieces’.
Following some well-received EPs, praises from the likes of Kerrang! and BBC Introducing plus last year’s single ‘Same Skies’ – this new track sees the trio blend airy synths with shimmering guitars to create a vast soundscape that treads the line between alt rock, melodic metalcore and something else entirely.
Running at just over four minutes in length, ‘Pieces’ is ever-building throughout. With a pulsing synthy start, clean vocals soon enter the mix with the opening lyrics…
“I tore myself into pieces inside pieces / Until there is nothing left for me to give”
Thundering drums then invade and remain as a backdrop for the duration – layered with the melodic clean vocals (complete with backing harmonies), wailing guitar riffs, bright keys and sprinkles of electronica.
There’s a switch up around the two-minute mark with the introduction of screamed vocals kicking in, taking the intensity up a notch. And while this may be short-lived, it’s yet another texture to the sonic palette of this song bringing elements of angst, melancholia and a good bit of optimism too.
Lyrically, “Pieces’ is about stopping something you love doing to ultimately better yourself.” vocalist Joe explains. There’s a palpable sense of doubt with mentions of “dreams that went amiss” and “wasted years” but also determination.
‘Pieces’ manages to be both a tumbling and soaring listen simultaneously bringing to mind the likes of Enter Shikari, Fightstar and Linkin Park in terms of lyricism and sound. Closing with a buzzy reverbed electronic beat that gives off an almost static electric feel – this track is an atmospheric experience for your eardrums.