Ipswich based indie band Afterdrive have spoiled us with their latest single, ‘Bad Vibes’, contrary to the title, it is sure to have you heading straight to that dance floor on your next night out.
Littered with lyrical alarm bells this song is an auditory warning against siren strangers, those that we may look to when we find no other eyes whilst always knowing they could easily leave us behind, we all want the dancing girl until the lights come on and she isn’t smiling anymore.
These individuals have a bewitching power, they captivate us with their false promises, wrapped up our wildest dreams they are the people we want to be with despite our intuition telling us to run. Adrenaline and fun, a promise of all that we want, so despite the bad vibes we choose to party all night, driving with them by our side
Made up of Ben Watts on vocals, Luke Ellis on guitar, Ed Ruff on bass and Joe Watts on drums Afterdrive are a Pop/indie band defined by their distinctive sound that is begingin to turn heads in the indie scene especially as they have already released three singles; a nostalgic indie track called 99 (which we previously reviewed)and their poignant debut release stick Around, it is no surprise they have a worldwide audience, including fans in Mexico City ,Santiago and London setting them up for international success.
Lights low, eyes wide, drunken nights and a stranger with a nice smile. The music is loud and the drinks are strong, between the dancing, you get to talking only to realise this person is a walking bad vibe, only making you fall further into their eyes. Through the haze of synth like harmonies, gazey guitar riffs and a proleptic drum beats this song explores the sticky stories smeared on the dancefloor, brought to light by the harsh 6am sun.
“And girl you give me Bad Vibes, Bad Vibes
This ain’t the right time
Long nails, jeans black, sippin’ white wine
She said, she said she want it all night
And I bet you want it all night”
Lyrics to ‘bad vibes’ by Afterdrive
Bad Vibes offer an eye into the emotional inventory of the narrator, a hand emerges from the wreckage of another failed relationship to guide you through the mist once more. The instrumentals offer a useful framework for interpreting the rollicking pop-rock fervour to come especially with the layered vocals, evocative of words running wild, a tennis match argument that leaves both rackets broken, but both players ready and wanting more, the allure of chaos.
Make some dancefloor stories of your own at their next gig on the 30th of September in iconic, Ipswich venue the Baths, tickets on sale here.
Evolve Music 