The Breakdown – Gaston (2024)
Unafraid to delve deep into the intricacies of society, The Breakdown explores the complexities of modern existence with a vintage Britpop sound. Filtering a contemporary edginess to the nostalgic sound, the UK-based band is both familiar and fresh in their style and themes. From unravelling romances in ‘All I Know’ to online dating in ‘This Rigged Machine’ and the influence of social media in ‘Modern Lies’, The Breakdown tugs at the deep-rooted threads in our realities with kaleidoscopic elegance. The latest addition to their critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Gaston’.
When I hear the name “Gaston”, my mind jumps to the broad-shouldered, muscle-bound, sharp jawline and primaeval opinions of Beauty and the Beast’s villainous character. Gaston – while annoying and suffocating, he enchants everyone around him with masculine charm; however, The Breakdown’s ‘Gaston’ drifts in another direction. Instead of promoting senseless popularity, it is an anthem for those who feel overlooked.
Following the Britpop single ‘Modern Lies’, ‘Gaston’ drips heavier alternative rock into the mix with Britpop clinging to the melody. From the first moment, The Breakdown tosses you into a dark sonic canyon filled with glistening walls and a consuming vast blackness. As you lose yourself in the rush of rock music, each instrument slices a bold colour through the emptiness – Toby Young’s drums crash with a shining red while Michael McGuiness’ bass slips in on shimmering blue. Flashes of yellow spread across from Richard Gale and Andy Strevens’ guitars with Mike Connell’s vocals echoing so you don’t quite know where he is but he’s rambling through your head with chilly haunting. Interestingly, while you seem sucked into a hole of soul-stirring sound, a sense of empowerment climbs from desperate vulnerability.
Sentimental, sincere and filled with intimate compassion, The Breakdown finds an anthem to all those who feel neglected as a “reminder to stand up, speak out, and turn the volume up…” If fictional Gaston’s lackey and main admirer LeFou had The Breakdown’s ‘Gaston’, he’d probably get all the girls instead of a beer in the face.
Find out more about The Breakdown on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more Britpop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Britpop playlist:
