Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

The Trusted – Burning The Night (2023)

Beneath the suave sassiness and cheeky grins, English band The Trusted are alright; in fact, they’re more than alright otherwise we wouldn’t be addicted to their music. Known for high-energy, enthusiastic and meaningful melodies matched by profound lyrics, delivered with expert confidence (although a sense of raw melancholy seeps through), Southend-on-Sea indie-rock foursome are the epitome of divine music. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Burning The Night’.

Emerging as one of the more interesting artists on the UK music scene, The Trusted have established a signature indie-rock sound; however, their innovation always lends to eclecticism. The Trusted rarely delve into love songs but their previous single ‘Marrow’ took us through romance with a biting slice of existential angst. Frontman Tom Cunningham explains that ‘Marrow’ is a song “about obsession…it embodies the essence of exaggerated affection, restlessness and unyielding devotion.” In ‘Burning The Night’, the foursome reaches further out in uncharted waters.

Following ‘Marrow’, ‘Burning The Night’ continues The Trusted’s dissection of the grittier side of life. Once again delving into human fragility and vulnerability, ‘Burning The Night’ delicately explores “late-night restlessness and irrationality revealing the emotions that lurk in the shadows”. Unlike the bold, hard-hitting singles ‘Doomsday’, ‘Terrible Fight’ and ‘Marrow’, the group capture the frustration, fearfulness and anxiety when faced with inner demons in a smoother, softer alternative rock style tinged by grunge inclinations.

At first listen, one might assume there is a gloomy darkness to the lyrics and melody of ‘Burning The Night’. Bound by a rugged rawness, Fin Cunningham’s bass matches Dave Batchelor’s drums pounding like a racing heartbeat. Emotions dash in from every side of this sonic swirl as Dale Holt-Mead’s guitar harmoniously flows with the heartbeat while simultaneously slicing away as an inner demon. What I find intriguing is how the single runs its course of melancholic vulnerability but with a shimmering light of hopefulness floating through Tom Cunningham’s raw vocals.

We discovered The Trusted in 2018 with their single ‘No Real Control’ and, for me, the lads continue to astound five years later. Oozing sincerity, sentimentality and a soul-soaring mastery of music, The Trusted are a refreshing blast of passion in the indie-rock music scene. ‘Burning The Night’ is an experimental leading track from their upcoming EP; I can’t wait to hear that EP!


Find out more about The Trusted on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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