Split Second – Ozymandias (2024)
Influenced by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Blondie and the Arctic Monkeys, UK-based quartet Spilt Second not only explore different genres but transcends eras, styles and audiences with their diverse sound. Sophistication, elegance and maturity ooze from their music, yet vulnerability and youthful innocence flutter along. It’s difficult to believe the members are still under the age of 21. This is my introduction to Split Second but Ava Hackett (vocals), Levi Husbands (guitar), Louiz Jephcott (bass), and Jack Barnett (drums) already have a strong international following. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Ozymandias’.
With a reputation for infectious, energetic, and sincere soundscapes, Split Second can send you spinning in a sonic whirlpool losing your mind in the process; however, the joviality of such a blissful experience is tinged by weighty, profound and poignant themes – a juxtaposition heard by more experienced musicians and, interestingly, effortless by the Worcestershire foursome.
On the heels of their well-received track ‘Love Life Cycle’, Split Second steps into a heavier realm of rock in ‘Ozymandias’. Leaning toward a pop-rock meets indie-rock tone, ‘Love Life Cycle’ began the move toward rock band status; however, it is ‘Ozymandias’ that appears to complete the transition or at least continue the evolution. Recorded and produced with Gavin Monaghan at Magic Garden Studio, the track combines crashing drums, a bold bass and soaring guitars in a tapestry of vintage meets contemporary music. The thing is, just as there is unity in the sound, each instrument peaks out with individuality resulting in harmonic duality. Once again, something you’d expect from a more mature group.
The melody is intriguing and highlights Split Second’s innovative originality; however, it is Hackett’s full-bodied execution of the meaningful theme that adds intricate precision to ‘Ozymandias’. Based on Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem ‘Ozymandias’ – a tale of a tyrannical king whose empire tumbles to the ground – Split Second’s ‘Ozymandias’ finds the pain, vulnerability, tragedy and confusion of that case in their own experiences. Bringing reality to fantasy, the group resonate with listeners in an intricate, complex and intimate way. Solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with, I foresee Split Second making more waves with their upcoming releases.
Find out more about Split Second on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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