The underground and unsigned music scene is producing the best upcoming alt and electro-pop right now. We’re in the digital age now and rather than creating meaningless David Guetta MacBook garbage, musicians have taken it upon themselves to make fresh and exciting new pop tunes for us to groove the night away to. London alt-pop trio SYKES are one of the best upcoming bands doing exactly that; SYKES are developing their sound, perfectly portrayed with their new single ‘Best Thing’.
‘Best Thing’ is a real step up from the band: with crisp production and even slicker vocals from singer and guitarist Julia, this track is an uplifting and enchanting journey into the world of modern alt-pop.
There’s an undeniable comparison to Scottish synth-pop trio, Chvrches, as Julia’s smooth and sweet vocal style is similar to that of Lauren Mayberry and short “oh oh” vocal samples used on ‘Best Thing’ are akin to those on ‘The Mother We Share’. These similarities are only fleeting however – the use of guitars and sparseness of sounds in ‘Best Thing’ leaves it open for your ears to fall in and delve into the sweet samples and melodies.
The video for ‘Best Thing’ seems to align with the song’s meaning: a modern day superwoman goes about her day to day life and, although at some points life seems to be fine and dandy, by the end it’s a mess. We all have ups and downs in our life – “there’s a pattern in paradise”, but maybe not here on Earth. Julia’s lyrics are mimed by different characters throughout the video, creating a perfect way to convey a story and the song’s meaning – “what makes another day liveable? It’s all in the mind.”
SYKES have struck gold with ‘Best Thing’, their best track to date: a bright, shimmering pop song that will be stuck in your head for the foreseeable future, and I’m not complaining.
‘Best Thing’ is out now, and you can catch SYKES live at The Old Blue Last on 30th March. Find out more here.
Elli Brazzill
@littlelionelli
Elli Brazzill
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