Pacific – Spiral (2021)
If Kings of Leon were to have a child with Kasabian but it was raised by U2, the chances are it would be Pacific. Anthemic, enigmatic and highly original, the UK-based quartet are breeding a new type of indie-rock for modern-day audiences. While the group have been releasing music since 2017, it is their latest singles that have caught many people’s eyes.
Featured on Amazing Radio, XS Manchester, BBC Introducing, Gigwise, Wolf In A Suit and Indie Buddie (to name but a few), Pacific is gaining a reputation for energetic music across the globe. In fact, their single ‘Alibi’ was mentioned by BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra and ‘Puzzle’ was added to Manchester United’s FA Cup 5th round pre-match stadium playlist. Not bad, if I do say so myself. The latest addition to their well-received discography is ‘Spiral’.
Described by Metro as a band “proving indie music is getting a much needed coming back”, Pacific is definitely a breath of fresh air in a stagnating indie scene. Following their single ‘Alibi’ (read our review here), ‘Spiral’ adopts a less buoyant style aiming for a more rock-influenced design. While retaining the piano-driven instrumentation, Pacific incorporate pounding drums and dynamic guitars to enhance the bold emotion in the melody.
What I love about Pacific is not their signature sound but how they pair traditionally classical with stereotypically rock-based instrumentation in one harmonious tune. Moreover, each aspect has a specific prominence of its own while still uniting in a provocative whole. Taking you on a journey through the grittier side of life, the lads use well-placed crescendos to emphasise the significance of existential realisation to “overcome that spiral we can easily fall into”.
Alright, enough of fancy words, what are my thoughts on ‘Spiral’ and what does it mean to me?
Pacific noted that when writing the track they “wanted to capture how in life days can unknowingly pass with all your time being spent working toward an end-game of someone else’s making” – a profound message if ever I heard one. Using this message of frustration and vulnerability, ‘Spiral’ exposes the hopelessness of life if we were to continue in a constant stream of servitude. Yet, amidst the confusion there is a sense of hopefulness, optimism and empowerment. Pacific shares that this is the basis of the single, “…remember we have the ability to control our own futures…”
In addition to the single, Pacific released an official lyric video for ‘Spiral’. A simplistic video, Pacific follows a spiral pattern drawn in the sand with lyrics atop the image. The thing is, while it is simple it adds a pronounced visual element to the song – both as an image and a concept. In some cases, simple is best.
Side note: the rotation of the spiral pattern is mild but it can cause migraines. Watch at your own discretion.
WATCH AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
For more from Pacific check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
