Lennon Wells first caught my attention last year when they supported iconic Australian band Jet celebrating 20 years since the release of their album ‘Get Born’ in Hobart – a special night bejewelled by the visible appearance of the spectacular Aurora Australia in the skies that evening. I observed of the band that they put on an incredibly immersive performance lead by their charismatic and animated lead singer who prowled, cajoled and threw himself around the stage. Presciently, I referred to fellow Taswegians A. Swayze and the Ghosts with the level of commitment to entertaining and the post punk vibes, threaded through a whiff of bluesy riffs.
I say presciently because the band has just released the terrific new single ‘No Kings, produced by said A. Swayze (following the success of his stunning solo debut).
It is swaggering rampant track that high steps its way into your ears over a rolling piano with a bluesy swing before launching into a celestial chorus that sparkles like the midnight skies over the southern island. There is an arched eyebrow, hand on the hip insouciance threaded throughout the song, an inflexion of glam theatricality with a layered chorus and chugging guitars. There is a gospel glow to the delivery.
The themes are dark. Drummer Sam Forsyth says
No Kings lays reference to the ongoing struggle against the powers that be. The abuse of power that runs rife within our political system feels like it’s coming to a peak, though perhaps it’s felt like that for every generation. Now feels like the right time for us to say something about it
Singer Ben Wells adds:
To be honest we feel fed up with the way the world is at the moment, and the thought of raising our kids in it is scary as hell. The disappearing middle class, the rich getting richer & the fact it all feels helpless. This song is our take on the situation & an encouragement to keep pushing back. It feels like we’re on the precipice & there is going to be a fall, only question is whether it’s us or them.
It’s a visceral, rampant message delivered in a fast paced boogie of extremely satisfying indulgence.
The accompanying video is a brilliant performance piece capturing the magnetic personalties of the band, tinged with a little deprecating sense of humour but intense and immersive and very cleverly executed:
‘No Kings’ is out today and available to download and stream via all the usual sites.
It comes off Lennon Wells’ forthcoming debut album which is highly anticipated and is another example of the southern isle of Tasmania punching way above its weight in music.
