Hailing from the unsuspectingly post-punk place that is Stoke-on-Trent, Genius of the Crowd explore everything from politics to relationships through their music. Their influences include Jimi Hendrix and Fontaines D.C., but that doesn’t detract from the fresh perspective they bring to the genre.
This week they are excited to give us the first taste of their forthcoming EP – a single titled Bluebird.
The track kicks off with a sullen and brooding impact. A repetitive bass riff circles above slick, clean drums, reminiscent of classic post-punk tunes from The Cure and Joy Division. The accompaniment is soon interrupted by polyrhythmic guitars that complete the introduction and drive into the verse.
The vocals come in, full and thick from the throat. Matt Frederick’s flow is smooth and intertwines with the band’s melodies, while his abstract lyrics solidify Blackbird’s dark desperation; shivered into a fleeting rage/the bluebird back to its caution and its cage/you tried to mess me up.
Reflective of the words, the chorus proceeds like an overwhelming wave. The arrangement becomes drenched in a shimmering delay and reverberated tone that envelops you as a listener. Frederick’s vocals remain clear, but his words are harder to make out, leaving the band’s intent open to question.
This impact continues throughout the song with a shorter verse and final chorus. There’s no solo section, no unnecessary thrills, just a simple structure to get lost in.
As the centrepiece of their upcoming EP, Bluebird certainly instils an air of anticipation. If Genius of the Crowd maintain this quality and poise, it’s sure to be a good one.
Bluebird is available for streaming from the 20th of September.
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