Wes Chamberlain’s indie dream pop will break your heart
Wes Chamberlain, a master of crafting indie dream pop to break your heart…
Teasing us with new single ‘I Didn’t Laugh’, it’s the first track from his debut EP (out August 1st 2020). Dropping the most earnest and genuine single I’ve heard in a while, it’s refreshing to see such a young musician just having fun!
Immediately hitting you with a laughing sample, it lurches into a lush, futuristic tableau. How we thought 2020 would sound in 1980. The impressively repetitive drums paired with the anxious synth builds an ‘age of consent’ momentum, it’s the spiralling of an alienated mind. Surrounded by everyone, feeling like you have no one. A sombre message disguised by the sparkles and smiles from the infectious guitar and synth hooks.
His first single ‘Duvet’ spills stories of late-night heartbreak, patient and hazy, geared for dimly lit bedrooms. But when played live, takes on a whole new personality. Wes Chamberlain and his backing band work in harmony, a mesmerising live act, when preforming they take his dream sequences to a place of effortless jazz, drenched in buttery harmonies. Although sonically different, the ominous undertones are rippled through both singles, both bittersweet. Reminiscent of a British Mac Demarco, it’s upbeat indie pop masking the melancholy that’s weaved so tightly into his lyrics.
‘I Didn’t Laugh’ is bathed in glittery arrangements, it’s The 1975 without the ego! The refrain loops throughout but is never mechanical or lethargic, the track barely has time to catch its breath. Made for introspection, whether in headphones or while moshing, the lyrics are ones to chew over. It’s an itchy, glitchy new romantic track, rippled with humanity. With a surprisingly clean cut production, it’s polished and poppy but still celebrates all life’s little bumps and scuffs. Revelling in an unglamorous intimacy personified by Wes’ husky vocals.
A punchy new release, instantly building excitement for his EP ‘A Nebulous Vision,’ set for release beginning of August. Wes is clearly an artist set on forging his own path, this is a time of new beginnings. ‘I Didn’t Laugh’ is out now on all major platforms and keep updated with Wes and the gang on Instagram @weschamberlaintunes. Let us know what you think and leave an ICM Star Rating out of 10.