Jazzcat’s ‘Robyn’: A confident debut from a noteworthy new band
The alt-indie band are set to attract a slew of dedicated fans with their entrancing first single.
Photo: Jazzcat
Rising alt-indie band Jazzcat are set to introduce their magnetic blend of emotional indie and alternative shoegaze to a whole new audience this week, thanks to the release of their debut single Robyn. Filled with heavenly guitars, complex rhythms and captivating vocals, Robyn is an enchanting track that brings to mind some of indie’s most memorable songs, including Her’s hypnotic What Once Was.
Quoting Her’s as one of their main inspirations, alongside the incomparable Paramore, it makes total sense that the Birmingham based four-piece would produce a debut that is as thought-provoking and compelling as these indie and alternative legends. Lulling the listener into a state of contentment with their rolling guitar riffs and bouncy rhythms, Jazzcat have clearly refined their sound over a long period of experimentation on the local live circuit, which is perhaps why they have been able to make such a confident and enthralling debut.
While the chorus’s raspy vocals and harmonies separate the band from other indie musicians by exposing the raw emotions that are at the root of the song, what really makes this track so gripping is its sonic complexity. Robyn isn’t just a one note indie song that finds a good beat or melody to stick with throughout, but is instead a track that experiments with rhythmic changes and variations on melodic motifs so as to fully explore the complexity of emotions that accompany the tracks’ themes of love and heartache. And, because of this, it takes just one listen to realise that this song will sound even better live.
Speaking on the debut, Jazzcat said: “Robyn is a song we all instantly fell in love with — it came so naturally and it’s the perfect introduction to who we are and how we operate as a band.” And, to be honest, we couldn’t agree more.
Robyn is out August 18th. Presave here.