Spangled – Nosedive (2020)
Borne of a quiet conversation at a pub where singer Ben Johnson and guitarist Jamie Halliday joked about starting a band, Spangled is a hard-hitting, boundary-breaking indie-rock group from Manchester. With the addition of bassist Niall McGovern and drummer Nathan Kenyon, the lads soon started releasing music in the leagues of The Stone Roses and The Smiths. Alright, perhaps not that huge but The Smiths have been around longer than Spangled’s two years. The latest addition to this group is their single ‘Nosedive’.
“The phrasing of the word ‘nosedive’ is a reference to the UK drug culture; we’re just saying “look, this is what’s like to be young, it’s part of the culture – like it or lump it.” That’s the beauty of this song, it’s unapologetic, in your face and it makes you just wanna lie down on your kitchen floor and forget all those little problems that have been building up in your everyday life.” – Ben Johnson on ‘Nosedive’
Building on their reputation for engaging lyrics over high-paced melodies, ‘Nosedive’ is an upbeat and enthusiastic track. With powerful guitars and pounding drums, the track is fiery and fearless celebrating youthful risk-taking and the allure of the unknown. Yet, while there is a forcefulness to the melody, ‘Nosedive’ is somewhat whimsical in nature. With an air of nonchalance only associated with youth, Johnson’s Mancunian-accented vocals elegantly weave compelling lyrics with a beguiling tune.
While fantastic as a digital single, ‘Nosedive’ is made for the stage. Anthemic, emotive and high-paced, Spangled have outdone themselves with this infectious tune. Ideally a soundtrack for indie films like Fight Club and High Fidelity, ‘Nosedive’ can trigger the spontaneous rogue in all of us.
For more from Spangled check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
