By admin
Early Hours are making serious waves in the South African rock scene and are gradually expanding into wider, global circles with every release. Previously their single Smells Like Summer reached number one on the SoundCloud Indie Rock chart and led to Early Hours becoming the first ever South African band to reach one million plays on a single track on SoundCloud – a huge accolade for a band formed just four years ago after the guys met in a Cape Town high school. Furthermore, Early Hours won the prestigious Converse ‘Get Out Of The Garage’ competition in 2014, which led to the band performing in some of the most notorious festivals and premium venues in South Africa. Musically, the band is clearly inspired by the likes of Two Door Cinema Club and Bombay Bicycle Club with their vibrant and energetic sound, yet Early Hours bring an exciting twist with their inventive songwriting skills and South African experiences. Ultimately, Early Hours blends their equatorial tropical vibe with the best of British music – creating a unique experience of Britpop meets Afrorock.
Their latest track – Into The Wilderness – bursts with summery vibes and is the first single to be taken from the band’s debut EP First Light (due for release on the 26th of August). Into The Wilderness instantly sets a high standard for the EP yet leaves space for Early Hours to further develop their sound throughout. The trio consists of Adam Rothschild (Guitar), Benson Joubert (Bass) and Jake Bennet (Vocals) who was born and bred in London. Bennet described the song as ‘based around the idea of heading into the unknown, whether that be a place, a relationship or any other form of extraordinary is in the listener’s hands.’ After the initial idea was created, the band disappeared up the coast for three days to piece the track together, and that idea of adventure and good times comes through within the feel-good nature of Into The Wilderness.
A slow build up allows Bennet to exhibit the control and power he can deliver through his vocals, whilst the music blends effortlessly behind him to build to a smooth and vivacious chorus. Whilst being a gentle song it’s not hard to envisage Early Hours smashing it live with the energy the band has become synonymous with. The track is filled with some thought provoking lyrics but the upbeat and lively nature of the song never lets you dwell on it for too long. Regardless, Into The Wilderness is an excellent mix of styles and truly encapsulates the adventurous spirit Early Hours appear to inspire towards.
Early Hours are an excellent of combination of strong vocals, brilliant songwriting and solid music. Each element is strong in Into The Wilderness and it results in the perfect summer anthem, best enjoyed alongside the sunshine and good times.
