Bella Platt
Full time student and live music enthusiast, actively involved in Manchester and Newcastle’s music scene, interviewing and reviewing grassroots bands and larger indie acts.
Ahead of their debut album, ‘Drive To Goldenhammer,’ out on 7th March, Divorce drop kaleidoscopic new single ‘Pill’
On ‘Pill,’ Divorce takes you on a captivating auditory journey, weaving through layers of sound that constantly evolve. From its mystical soundscape that plunges you into a soft techno wonderland, the song grips you with a sense of adventure and excitement. The dreamlike atmosphere is grounded by the drums, whose stability offer a safe space for Felix Mackenzie-Barrow and Tiger Cohen-Towell’s vocals.
As the song progresses, we hear a striking line: “I’m choking on the thrill of your pill”. This line, delivered by the male accompaniment, underscores the song’s central theme of indulgence and the exhilaration of self-destructive pleasure. When the lyrics reach “when the pill kicks in,” the harmonies align in a moment of euphoric clarity. It’s a moment of release that lifts the track, marking the peak of the song’s emotional journey- the come-up of the ‘pill’ Divorce are feeding us.
The hallmark of ‘Pill‘ is its constant freshness and intrigue, a kaleidoscope of hundreds of different micro-creations that converge to form one unified piece of music. Each section feels like a new discovery, and there’s always something new to catch the ear—whether it’s an unexpected turn in the rhythm, a vocal inflection, or an instrumental shift.
The latter part of the song, the ‘come down’, introduces a more abrupt calmness that contrasts with the earlier frenzy. Here, the lyrics become more contemplative, shifting focus to thoughts about the past, with a quieter, more intimate tone. A slightly swung piano rhythm controls the former free-flowing nature of the song, a welcome waft of jazz creeping through the bridge-like section. The introspective nature of this part of the song provides a reflective space, allowing the listener to catch their breath before the final act.
It’s a fitting conclusion to a track that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The unity between the female and male vocals is harmonious and satisfying, a togetherness that is testament to the band’s musical cohesiveness. Divorce is a band that expertly guides the listener on a journey, skilfully navigating through a landscape of sound with control and precision. By the end of the track, you’ve travelled through hours of memories, with the four-piece band leading the way.
Watch/Listen to ‘Pill’ here:
