Matthew Amos
Hey, I’m a photographer and writer based between Reading and Cornwall. I’ve been going to gigs since my 2016 indie phase (which admittedly I’m still in) but also love rock and punk. I love taking photographs which capture the atmosphere of live music.
Bartees Strange drops catchy and raw single ‘Wants Needs,’ ahead of new album ‘Horror,’ out on 14th February
Bartees Strange has released the dynamic single ‘Wants Needs’ from his upcoming album ‘Horror’, releasing 14th February, which blends classic indie-rock guitar riffs with catchy yet raw vocals.
‘Wants Needs’ confronts the emotion of fear. There is an element of self-awareness and reflection in the lyrics and Strange has mentioned how the song stems from career stress fuelled by anxieties about being a minority in the indie scene and the feeling of not being supported.
The song jumps straight into a chugging bassline and vocals reminiscent of Radiohead, before the drums kick in, changing to a more up-beat instrumental, dotted with chiming keys. Around a minute in, we are hit by the melodic, punchy and emotion-filled chorus- sure to become an earworm.
The track gradually builds with layered vocals and subtle hip-hop-like percussion to reach a climax with one last chorus, closing with a minute long instrumental packed with crashing cymbals and funky, jangling guitars- a contrasting to the opening tone.
‘Wants Needs’ is an honest and powerful insight into Strange’s thoughts and sets the scene for what is set to be an exciting genre-blending album.
New album ‘Horror’ is out on 14th February via 4AD.
Listen to ‘Wants Needs’ here: