Following on from the powerhouse that was their last album Forever Whatever, introspective rock outfit October Drift have unveiled a stripped-back and stunning new video for their latest single ‘Naked’.
The title track for their new acoustic EP, ‘Naked’ marks a poignant diversion from October Drift’s usual M.O. of what Q describes as “sugar-coated power-rock”. Instead of distorted guitars and fierce vocal howls coursing through listeners’ veins, this song opens with more subdued acoustic guitar work. If you thought the wintry opening aerial shots and stark piano chords were leading you into a gentle, mundane track, though, you’d be sorely mistaken. While ‘Naked’ is one of the more subdued songs in October Drift’s catalogue, the evocative gravelly tones of vocalist Kiran Roy keep its momentum at an all-time high.
"The evocative gravelly tones of vocalist Kiran Roy keep this track's momentum at an all-time high"
The song’s simple instrumentation builds and builds in intensity until the final outro, which repeats “I knew we always could” alongside a swell of piano chords and deeply powerful layered vocals. It’s a rogue project for a band like this, but October Drift’s performances are just as tender and passionate as they are on their heaviest releases.
Drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers paid tribute to Taylor Hawkins during the band’s set at New Orleans Jazz Festival, after replacing the Foo Fighters headline slot.
Finally, after two years of us all sitting around our computers, watching live streams, desperately trying to recreate that festival feeling, The Great Escape is back and ready to take over Brighton. For 4 days in May, music lovers, industry experts, and artists from all around the world will decent on the seaside town, ready to explore the 30+ walkable venues and discover some incredible new bands.
Today, Abbey Road Studios, the world’s most famous recording studio, announces the inaugural Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Awards 2022 in association with Hennessy – the first-ever awards to celebrate the art of music photography.
