The Vanities – Just Passing Thru (2024)
Almost a year after reaching our ears with their soft rock sound, Welsh duo The Vanities slither into our brain to rattle about with the new single ‘Just Passing Thru’. Established as an electro-rock group in the 2000s, Rhys Bradley (vocals and guitar) and Adam Hill (bass guitar and synths) were setting a standard in the music scene; however, hiatus blew their way, and The Vanities were no more – or so we thought. In 2021, Bradley and Hill awakened from their slumber and began making waves across the globe.
Following the success of their well-received 2023 singles ‘Private Army’ and ‘London’, The Vanities return with the single ‘Just Passing Thru’. Produced by Al Steele, penned by Rhys Bradley, and performed by award-winning country artist Bob Fitzgerald, The Vanities slip into the realm of Americana.
Retaining the soft calmness heard in ‘Private Army’ with lingering gentleness, The Vanities release another toe-tapping, smile-inducing song. Interestingly, while ‘Private Army’ shares the relaxed sentimentality of ‘Just Passing Thru’, the previous material has a bite which is missing from the new single. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing; in fact, it showcases the pair’s originality, diversity and experimental nature.
A harmonic symphony of Chris Barber’s drums, Gareth Jones’s piano, Adam Hill’s bass, Jon Martin Skauge’s acoustic guitar and the country-inspired pedal steel guitar played by Reggie Duncan, the melody is not only breath-taking but also gives you a magnificent sense of contentment. It’s like a weight being lifted from your chest as you settle back with a cold drink. The only thing to enhance the sonic bliss is the backing vocals of The Epoch House Gospel Choir.
Sincere, sentimental and utterly charming, The Vanities made my day better by passing through with ‘Just Passing Thru’.
In addition to the single, The Vanities released an official music video for ‘Just Passing Thru’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
Find out more about The Vanities on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Bandcamp.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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