Bobhowla - Midnight Fears

By Jon Milton

Normally we feature noisy artists that straddle musical genres such as Krautrock, Post Punk, Psych rock, garage punk, noise rock and the like on this blog, but sometimes make an exception for  indie rockers that make well crafted songs that stick in your head after a couple listens. One such example is Bobhowla, and more specifically their new single Midnight Fears, released today.   

I must confess I do have a bit of a weakness for Tears for Fears and it certainly feels like there’s a hint of them on this single, along with the kind of vocal line Liam Gallagher would lap up. Midnight Fears also has a swerving rhythm that reminds me of something from the world of dance music that I can’t pin down (Slam maybe?) – the mark of a canny songwriter getting right into in your head of course.

Midnight Fears is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album ‘Everything’s Wrong, but it’s Alright’ which launches at the end of next month. Newly assembled as a four piece, the band features singer/songwriter Howard Doupé and Rod Jones of Idlewild who also produced the album at Post Electric Studio.  Doupé says of the album:

“This collection of songs have been a lifetime in creation. Working with broad group of musicians has meant the final product is a multi-coloured trip through pop sensibilities tinged with elements of folk and sonic ambience. With themes of yearning, presence, purpose, fears and the celebration of achievement, there’s an element of heart-felt honesty. Maybe the like not seen since the writings of Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison. For the first time in years, the time is right to present these tracks as they are. The current worldwide situation has directly affected both the recording and determination to support the emergence of new artists. Particularly during the uncertainty of live performances.”