Track of the Day: Spangled – Headspace
If The Smiths were to have a lovechild with Blur, the chances are Spangled would be it. With a punchy, hard-hitting style, the UK-based foursome has a unique sound standing out from the rest. Screaming Manchester, the lads have found a delicate balance between “out of your mind” craziness and pure vulnerability – which is quite a feat if you ask me. Featured on Gig Slutz, Berlin On Ar, Our Sounds Music and iHeart Radio (to name a few), Spangled are reaching an international audience. The latest addition to their discography is ‘Headspace’.
The lead single from Spangled’s upcoming EP Chasing Nebulas, ‘Headspace’ is a song about vulnerability, fragility, angst and inner turmoil. Yet, while there is that agitation of in-your-face punk-rock meets indie-rock songs, the track finds the line between flowing and jarring melodies. The arrangement is interesting offering each instrument prominence but coming together as a whole. Think somewhere between Joy Division and The Smiths and you’ll have ‘Headspace’.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Gareth Nuttal and Grant Berry respectively, ‘Headspace’ has a polished sound in its grittiness. According to vocalist Ben Johnson, “…it [‘Headspace’] was written in the summer of 2019 at the backend of a month of partying”, so that might account for the sonic representation of angsty youth. However, Johnson also notes that while he was dealing with brutal panic attacks, “…writing ‘Headspace’ was my way of dealing with it back then. The lyrics make less sense as the tune goes on but, looking back, nothing then was making sense to me that summer…”
Speaking of lyricism, ‘Headspace’ has a substantial depth, even if it might seem to “make less sense as the tune goes on.” It offers heartfelt connections with an audience in uncertain and disconcerting times. Yet, while there is a melancholic introspective to “…find a little headspace”, the track adopts tender empowerment triggered by the group’s own optimism.
Anthemic and eclectic, Spangled has hit it out of the park once again with ‘Headspace’. Considering the impact of their previous single ‘Nosdive’ (read our review here) and the mind-blowing effect of ‘Headspace’, I am keen to see what else they have in store.
In addition to the single, Spangled has a live performance of ‘Headspace’ on YouTube. Thanks to This Feeling, you can enjoy the energetic performance without leaving the comfort of your own home.
For more from Spangled check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
