New State Masses – Love Controlled (2021)
As veteran singers and songwriters, Pete Harwood and Matthew Parisi found themselves feeling as if they were creating music for others and not themselves. This is technically true as the duo were songwriters for other artists, but knowing they wrote the tracks was not enough – they felt “held back”. Now you might have heard of New State Masses before this article, which is entirely understandable as the pair released their first record a little over seven years ago. Today, however, Parisi and Harwood are reaching new heights as an independent band featuring on notable indie blogs (YMX, Less Than 1000 Followers and Indie Dock Music Blog) and playlists. Their debut single is ‘Love Controlled’.
Noting that they have “literally hundreds of songs written”, the UK-based group are working hard to share their music with listeners. ‘Love Controlled’ is the first of these releases and is a heavy-hitting alternative meets indie-rock package. Inspired by the likes of Nick Cave and New Order, ‘Love Controlled’ layers poignantly intimate lyricism with powerful guitars and dynamic drums. A flowing melodic arrangement tosses you into a whirlpool of sound with a contemplative ambience.
Navigating the “tumultuous waves of the music industry”, New State Masses walk the line between hope, despair, optimism and frustration, and all this is reflected in their music. Touching on elements of disillusion, anxiety, inner conflict and angst, ‘Love Controlled’ exposes the grittiness of the human soul in each stirring chord. Yet, while there is a dark depth in its execution, ‘Love Controlled’ has lingering empowerment in its lyricism and sound.
In addition to their single, New State Masses released an official video for ‘Love Controlled’. Unfortunately, I was unable to view the video in its entirety as the use of rapid image transition can cause seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. The video (below) should be viewed with caution.
WATCH AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
For more from New State Masses check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
