WORDS RYAN WOODFORD
Pale Waves
“Smitten”
Release Date: September 27th via Dirty Hit
Manchester band Pale Waves who originally formed back in 2014 are back with their new fourth studio album Smitten. The band’s last album ‘Unwanted’ which widely received positive reviews was released back in 2022, Pale Waves did also release second album ‘Who Am I?’ back in 2021. The band have been very active during the last few years. The quartet is made up of Heather Baron-Gracie on vocals & rhythm guitar, Ciara Doran on drums, Hugo Silvani on lead guitar and Charlie Wood on Bass.
Pale Wave’s opening song ‘Glasgow’ on first listen is infectious, with its gorgeous, rhythmic guitar sections playing throughout. It’s an upbeat, feel-good opener as Heather Baron-Gracie bellows “When I left you in Glasgow, I remember crying on the way home”, which certainly set’s the theme for the album.
Second track ‘Not a Love Song’ continues at a fairly high tempo. This track although short, does lyrically, interestingly, express’s a toing and froing in some sort of relationship, “I’ll be your dirty, dirty thoughts that you’re trying to hide”, further on Heather Baron-Gracie continues “I bet you’re out at the bar talking to boys”.
Fourth single ‘Thinking About You’ does produce an almost dreamy moment, Pale Waves take this moment to steady the ship and slow things down ever so slightly. The fourth track on the album which although slower, Ciara Doran’s drumming still remains prominent and ever present.
‘Kiss Me Again’ which is the seventh track on the album, opens up with some rather warming chords. Heather Baron-Gracie actually speaks the words “So let’s be honest” just before the chorus drops and I can certainly imagine the fans really enjoying this track live.
The ninth track ‘Hate to Hurt You is a very progressive synth, pop track with some welcoming dainty key sections in the background and does sound bold and big throughout.
The last track on the album which is also the longest track is called ‘Slow’. It’s certainly a tremendous way to end things, as It comes full circle with Heather Baron-Gracie’s superb vocals, finishing it off with the lyric “Am I dreaming?”.
Smitten does have themes of love, lust and loss running throughout. There’s a wonderful big, rock synth sound flowing onwards which is also backed by Ciara Doran’s hard hitting drumming sections which Phil Collins would be proud of. Heather’s charming vocals and both Hugo’s & Heather’s guitar parts, all a nod to the 80’s which has always been heard in Pale Wave’s arsenal. I can really see the songs from the album taking off live and it being rather enjoyable to watch. Although this album had enjoyable moments, I do respect it and the effort of the band, however it hasn’t fully engaged with me.
7/10
Tracks to Listen to:
Glasgow
Kiss Me Again
Slow
TRACK LISTING
1 · Glasgow
2 · Not a Love Song
3 · Gravity
4 · Thinking About You
5 · Perfume
6 · Last Train Home
7 · Kiss Me Again
8 · Miss America
9 · Hate to Hurt You
10 · Seeing Stars
11 · Imagination
12 · Slow
Pale Waves UK Tour
OCTOBER
Thu 03 NORWICH Waterfront
Fri 04 LIVERPOOL O2 Academy
Sat 05 MANCHESTER Neighbourhood Festival
Sun 06 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Tue 08 BRIGHTON Chalk
Wed 09 BRISTOL O2 Academy
Thu 10 SHEFFIELD Foundry
Fri 11 DUNDEE Fat Sams
Sun 13 GLASGOW SWG3
Mon 14 NEWCASTLE Boiler Shop
Tue 15 BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Thu 17 LONDON HERE @ Outernet (Sold Out)
Fri 18 LONDON HERE @ Outernet
FOLLOW PALE WAVES
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
