Pax Cultura show their depth on debut single ‘Heavy Machinery’
The South London based quartet are carving a space for themselves in the indie-rock scene with their unique first single.
Photo: @stefanthephotographer
Pax Cultura’s sound is best described as uniquely atmospheric. The way they layer their twisting melodies and tenacious strings on top of a strong indie rock foundation creates a real depth to their music which is unlike any others currently on the scene.
The South London based four-piece, who’ve drawn inspiration from a diverse range of artists including Jamie Cullum, Jeff Buckley, Foals and Paramore, have successfully merged their eclectic tastes together (in a way that no one would quite expect) to create their own brand of alt-rock, which they’ve only just released into the world through their first single, Heavy Machinery.
Written by lead singer, Will Gray, the single originated from his personal struggles with mental health, serving as his acknowledgement of the pain these struggles cause him, as well as his acceptance that he can’t fight his mental battle on his own.
The unwavering vocals really reflect this inner war that Gray faces. They are incredibly raw and powerful, yet still portray a softness that is reminiscent of the exhaustion and despair that comes with constantly fighting your own thoughts.
Along with Katie Earl on drums, Zac Guy on guitar and Alex Neil on bass, the track’s warping melodies, atmospheric piano and yearning strings instrumentally enhance Gray’s lyrics, and build to a powerful chorus that inspires a kind of emotional release. There is a real cathartic feel to the track that not only mesmerises, but also captures the heaviness and intensity that comes with attempting to conquer negative mental health.
With Earl heading up the band’s production, having studied music and sound recording at university, the track has also benefitted from Pax Cultura retaining full creative control of their sound, as it has ensured the authenticity of their voice, and allowed them to create a song that is sonically rich.
The years Pax Cultura have spent merging their individual influences and refining their sound has been more than worth it. Heavy Machinery has a real musical and lyrical depth to it which makes listening to their music a truly therapeutic experience. I’ve not heard anyone musically evoke the triggering pain and contrasting despair of mental health struggles so clearly before, and for that reason I can’t wait to hear what Pax Cultura do next.
Heavy Machinery is out now via Salt House Records.