The Constellations : 'Setback'
Released: 8th March 2010
Label: Parallel Lines
Atlanta’s The Constellations release their pretty barnstorming single Setback along with b-side 'Love is murder', which is to be taken from their forthcoming album Southern Gothic.
You get the impression listening to this band that they have a fireball of aggression in their belly’s and the first track 'Setback' is a fast fused 5 minutes or fairly frantic synths accompanied with hidden bouts of electronic for good measure. This helps the bassline of the track, therefore keeping the flow going on and on. The track has hints of Kasabian, certainly the vocals of lead singer Elijah Jones. His attitude towards his vocals is very much on the front foot and aided with the keyboards of the synths (Ryan Davis/Trevor Birdsong) it goes with each other hand in glove. What is also noticeable is the pacey drumming from the beginning of the track, where drummer Nackers sets the tone. And despite the distinct keyboarding overpowering any guitar work used in the track, the 8 piece group still eminate a rocky/psychedelic sound. It’s almost a synth evolved Jet if you’re looking for comparisons. They must also have a good reputation as a live act, as they have recently toured with Snoop Dogg(!) as his support band in the United States. The band are also touring the United Kingdom in early March, so it may be worth a dig to see this lot.
'Love is Murder', the band’s B-side, is a more radio friendly track. It has a bit of a Foo Fighters sound to it, certainly in the first part of the song vocally. “If you really wanna live, you got be ready to die” tells its own message of the story behind the song, of grinding through life and having to take risks to reap the rewards. There is also a rap in the song before the final chorus, which is dubious in talent but the lyrics are clearly meaningful. Again it’s keyboards are evident but its a lot more melodic and it easy to listen to for the more poppy music fan.
All in all fans may be sick of synth-indie pop and may very well lynch this band’s single. However there is seemingly an attitude there that rises above that mount of indie landfill and certainly the A-side shows this. It’s worth a listen certainly for that. It’s not particularly fresh but it’s worth listening to nonetheless.
Words: Sean Wright
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