If you, like me, are in desperate need of a new alternative emo rock band that hasn’t gotten cancelled, When Suddenly is just the band to go to! The four piece from Manchester just released their second EP Raincheck, but you definitely shouldn’t take a rain check on listening to their music – and here’s why.
With JP Duluc on vocals and guitar, Zach Duluc on drums and backing vocals, Charlotte Faye on guitar, and Daniel Cotton on bass and backing vocals, When Suddenly introduces the listener to the EP with its first track, titled ‘big banjo theory’. This song has soft guitar strings and a sad, straining voice that throws the listener right back into the nostalgia of the early 2000s alternative indie scene. The lyrics are catchy, the guitar and drum sound captivating and the feels are ever so there. It fulfils the band’s aim of delivering sad songs in a catchy and melodic way.
Next up is ‘142’, with its upbeat intro, joining right in with the sound and style of ‘big banjo theory’. This song once again gives the impression of being back in the glorious 2000s alternative scene, somewhere in the crowd at Download Festival or Slam Dunk – and, honestly, they would fit right in there on those stages in the here and now, reminiscing on high school memories. Zach Duluc and Daniel Cotton harmonise perfectly with lead vocalist JP Duluc on this track.
After the fun throwback within the first two songs, ‘Broken Now’ stirs away from that and turns in an emotional direction. The lyrics aren’t so lighthearted anymore, but rather heartfelt and self-reflecting, ranging from “so broken now” to “I swear, one day I won’t feel so empty”. The deep and devastating verses are accompanied by angry guitar riffs and drum beats.
The four-track EP finishes off with ‘Night Drive’, giving an indication in which direction the road might lead them into the future: one where, for a change, the vocals are accompanying the instruments instead of the other way around. Though JP Duluc sings a lot throughout the song, the sounds of his band mates’ instruments are more prominent, shining a spotlight on them to show off their talent with an occasional guitar or bass solo here and there.
After three years of being a band, When Suddenly have found their sound with Raincheck. This sound draws inspiration from their hometown’s music scene, as well as influences from US midwestern emo, to create what the four piece calls “Northwest Emo”. Somewhere between alternative, rock, and emo, When Suddenly have created a new, refreshing sound, that sure fits right into the UK’s alternative scene.
Written by: Svenja Nowak
Edited by: Nèri Cliteur
