Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

about-faces – Under The Sun (2023)

Captivating, energetic, moving and utterly fantastic are just a few ways to describe the Leeds-based quintet about-faces. Bright and brand new on the music scene, the lads and lady are minnows in the sea of sharks; however, reputation precedes them. Even before any music hit the racks, about-faces performed a sold-out show at Oporto only a few days after the gig was announced. Come with us as we jump into the sonic pool that is about-faces.

Drawn together through a mutual passion for melodic self-expression and a need for escapism from mundane existence, about-faces weave an alluring sonic tapestry with their debut single ‘Under The Sun’. Traipsing different flavours of rock from alternative rock to indie-rock with a tinge of pop-rock flitting through the melody, ‘Under The Sun’ has a leaning to U2, Oasis and Kings of Leon. However, while nostalgic reminiscences can be made, the groovy funk vibes belie the raw rock tone adding an edginess to about-faces.

With Joseph Schofield’s crashing drums, Nigel Ngwenya’s bold bass, a seductive tinkling of the keyboard from Danielle Capstick and the scorching ferocity of Cormac Connolly’s lead guitar, it is near impossible to not lose your head in the insane arrangement. For me, at least, it is Sennen Ludman’s hypnotic vocals that make the song soul-stirring.

Toe-tapping and grin-inducing, ‘Under The Sun’ will have you dancing like there’s no tomorrow; however, the head-twirling magic of the melody can distract listeners from the song’s lyrical poignancy. With poetic elegance and a painful sting, Ludman speaks from personal experience in ‘Under The Sun’. about-faces explain, “…love, lust and loss, the song delves into a relationship that once blossomed but now lies in decay, plagued by neglect…the petty nature that humans often adopt when confronted with the realisation of a failed connection. Both parties share the blame…”

Bittersweet but sincere. Sophisticated but painfully raw. Head-spinning joviality matched by profound seriousness. about-faces conduct musical witchcraft with their magical masterpiece ‘Under The Sun’.


In addition to the single, about-faces released an official music video for ‘Under The Sun’. The video can be viewed below or via their official YouTube channel. Please note, there are image transitions that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.


THIS VIDEO USES EFFECTS THAT CAN TRIGGER SEIZURES IN PEOPLE WITH PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

For more from about-faces, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup # sustainablecurator