Manchester indie-soul band By The Waves have dropped their anthemic new single “Eyes“.
By The Waves are renowned for creating beautifully constructed lyrics, delivered with a signature blend of falsetto melody lines and anthemic choruses, which are layered over driving rhythmic beats and groove-ridden baselines, all topped off with jangly yet dark, reverb-soaked guitar lines and a pinch of synth.
The ease by which the band blends genres is a testament to the diversity of its members and their influences.
Ben Thomas’ vocal range and phraseology is an impressive example of somebody at the peak of their powers, channeling influences from Jim Morrison to Otis Redding and Sting. Guitarist James Murray plays infectious riffs and chord structures, inspired by Johnny Marr and Robert Smith.
Pulsating percussion and engaging grooves are provided effortlessly by Luke Finch, bringing metronomic precision and dynamism of players such as Ringo Starr, Jack Bevan & Nathan Followill. His ability to seamlessly spark a shift in tempo lays the perfect backdrop for Hristo Gerdzhikov’s basslines to drive the rhythm section like a steam-train, whilst also lacing additional melodic sounds with his unique approach to the bass.
With songs featuring multilingual vocals written from experiences spent living abroad, By the Waves accomplish what many strive for but few can achieve: to create something as familiar as a hangout with friends while remaining as fresh as a sea breeze on a hot summer day.
The track is out now and follows their previous track ‘Vampires’. Grab it here and stream it now.
The band will play a show at 33 Oldham Street, Manchester on June 8 and then in Cheshire at Blackthorn Music Festival on the June 15.
