New Music | TRAAMS (ft. Softlizard) - Breathe

George Ward

Freelance journalist based in Bristol. Can be found at the Grain Barge, Rough Trade or in his tiny basement bedroom writing for CLUNK.

Chichester indie rock group TRAAMS release satisfying slow-burner Breathe with Softlizard, ahead of their new album personal best

Chichester indie rock group TRAAMS release satisfying slow-burner ‘Breathe‘ with Softlizard, ahead of their new album ‘Personal Best‘.

It has been 7 years since TRAAMS’ last album, ‘Modern Dancing’ but they haven’t gone anywhere. Following their April tour supporting Protomartyr, this new track sees the trio slow down, have patience and literally ‘Breathe‘.

Breathe runs for 9 minutes but never feels like a slog. A single-note bass-line chugs along under the track, keeping the momentum going at a slow but sure pace, helped by a steady programmed beat. Meanwhile, electric guitars come and go, distorting at points and cleanly gliding at others. It is easy to get lost in the gorgeous textures that TRAAMS create. Guitarist and vocalist Stu Hopkins describes it as “a soft meandering lullaby, born out of a trip to the GP.”

Joining Hopkins on vocals is Softlizard (A.K.A. the new project from Liza Violet of Menace Beach). This is the third of their new singles with a collaboration and it fits perfectly. The two voices dreamily duet with one another, which, when combined with the laid back and patient instrumental, reminds you of the mixed vocals of Yo La Tengo.

So, stick on this new TRAAMS track, sit back, and let yourself get lost in their sound.