After a year-long hiatus, Motorcycle Display Team (MDT) have returned with the two-track mini EP, Heartbeaten. Bringing together previous single ‘To The Endless’, and new offering ‘Not Raving, But Frowning’, the double-single showcases more of the band’s emotive rock-pop songwriting.
Capturing an authentic, warming sound-pallet of live instrumentation and theatrical melodies, the band display a rich and well constructed songwriting across the two tracks. Bringing melodic lead vocals and rich vocal harmonies, over biting guitar tones, piano, tight drums, grounding bass and subtle strings, the result is two tracks which carry a vintage aura whilst retaining a polished modern flare. As comparable to The Devine Comedy as it is to The Last Dinner Party and even Meatloaf, the tracks are vibrantly emotive and expressive.
With its melodically beguiling swaying rhythm, ‘Not Raving, But Frowning’ draws listeners into a captivating sonic experience. The mournful strings and delicately accented piano notes echo the pathos of To The Endless, yet the track manages to ascend to even greater heights with its transcendent coda. As a pair, these two tracks make Heartbeaten a not-to-be-missed release, embodying the very essence of MDT’s evolving sound.
Speaking about ‘Not Raving, But Frowning’, Stevoknievo, MDT’s lead vocalist and guitarist, shares: “The song is a portrait of the self-indulgent fool I recognise in myself. Where all play every day makes Jack a burned-out husk. A romantic cliche never accepting when the party’s over. A meaningless existence, piecing together hazy recollections of nights before. But even so it’s not hopeless – there’s always the glimmer of a chance at redemption.”
Throughout their career, MDT has earned a reputation for their dynamic live performances, having toured across the UK and Europe. The band has also received accolades such as ‘Artist of the Month’ on We7, ‘Unsigned Band of the Month’ from Absolute Radio, and support from BBC Music Introducing. Their music has been featured on popular TV shows including Hollyoaks, BBC’s Off The Hook, and Thandie Newton’s drama Rogue.
With the new double-single, the band display that they’re still create authentic, vibrant new music that carries depth in its musicality and lyricism.
Listen below:
