The Assist – Council Pop Unplugged (2023)
For almost a decade, The Assist has captured the core of human experience in their soaring melodies. Keeping their pulse on how modern audiences consume music, it is no wonder The Assist are one of the more established independent artists in the UK music scene. Actually, they are reaching far beyond their UK borders having performed in France and Russia alongside their UK festival appearances including Isle of Wight, Reading Festival and Leeds Festival. Further accolades include awards winning ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Album’ at the Birmingham Music Awards 2022. Praised on BBC Radio 6, featured as a soundtrack for the E4 reality show Made In Chelsea, and even performing on Soccer AM and Talksport, The Assist is making their mark as a talented band. The latest addition to their discography is the EP Council Pop Unplugged.
After the success of their well-received debut album, Council Pop, The Assist decided to take their music in another direction creating an unplugged version of songs from this award-winning album. Taking some of the most popular tracks from Council Pop, the lads adopt a smoother, mellifluous take on their indie-pop singles. In the unplugged version of their award-winning single ‘Better Days’, The Assist remove the brash instrumentation and gruff vocals to a softer, but just as vulnerable arrangement.
Recorded with Ryan Pinson at RML Studios, Council Pop Unplugged shows a more elegant, sophisticated side to The Assist. Lead vocalist Mikey explains that “we are no longer teenagers looking for any excuse to be on stage. We are musicians now and our artist integrity is important to us. We have a lot to say and sometimes it translates that little bit better when you turn the tube screamer off and explore other energies”, and this exploration of a more mature style showcases the growth of The Assist.
Along with ‘Better Days’, Council Pop Unplugged includes the tracks ‘My Friend Drug’, ‘Numb’ and ‘Daydream’ – all unplugged, of course. Just as the arrangements present a mature sophistication in the songs, the clarity of the instrumentation increases the emotive value of the singles. Mikey’s voice appears to gain a fuller, richer sound setting you adrift on a sonic river with a kaleidoscopic soul-soaring sensation. Moreover, the collaboration with violinist Julianne Bourne inserts an orchestral chill to the music taking The Assist to another level entirely. When speaking of Bourne’s contribution, the band share that “her imagination and creativity was integral to the sound we created.”
While their non-unplugged album is a slap in the face stealing your breath with its awesomeness, the fragility of Council Pop Unplugged transcends musical dimensions in a haunting way.
In addition to Council Pop Unplugged, The Assist released an in-studio video for ‘My Friend Drug’ – the unplugged version. You can view it below or on their official YouTube channel.
For more from The Assist, check out their Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
