Well here’s a taste of something new for you all – electronic music, courtesy of English band, Apollo Junction! Or, maybe not new. (You may have heard them being played by Tom Robinson and Steve Lamacq on BBC6). Anyway…
The band consists of 5 members from Leeds, London, and Manchester (Jamie on vocals, Sam on keys/synths, Matt on guitars, Jonathan on drums, and Ben on bass). They’ve created an indie-pop-rock’n’roll fusion with dynamite synths and dance beats, bringing the underground to the surface of mainstream. They are, fundamentally, an indie band to my ears, with the attitude and skills of a proper rock group. They’re masters of the bridge and magicians with their instruments, using synths to heighten the cloud 9 experience their music brings.
Jamie, the lead vocalist, put it best:
Well the geek inside the band (all of us) loves classic indie but we also love the modern sound and big synths. Add it all together and you get us!
I’d say they’re a more upbeat Depeche Mode, or Reverend and the Makers even… But with a youthful light in their melodies. They’re The Style Council meets the Smiths fast forward to the ‘000s… They’re something else.
With the dynamic song structure of ‘I want to be a Mystery’, they create a mood of unconquerable excitement, accentuated by the keys. The opening is a bit ethereal but quickly segues into a hardline beat and the vocals kick in, cuing the start of this power-packed tune.
I’ve had a hangover since 1991.
The lyrics of the pre-chorus are simple, but have a boyish charm highlighted by the genteelly brisk vocals, allowing for a seamless transition into the chorus. The song is complete with strings that seem to dance on their own, feathery hooks, and drums, drums, drums…
‘Carry On’ is all energy – Jamie’s sharp vocals delivering lyrics that are catchy and exhilarating. With sugary transitions between verse and chorus, the music is endearing but above all establishes the band as a force.
Always remember, it’s us against the world.
It’s a song of joyous rebellion with a bridge that is self-assuredly cool; the synths and drum sound almost smug, carrying a stylishness that is unique to the band.
‘Born For Now’, however, starts off more slowly, with satin vocals and laid back electro sounds… I love the strong, pulsating rhythm after the chorus. The mellow beat is then intertwined with the melodic ascensnion – the song shooting off at the speed of light. The bridge breakdown is flawless as well, and the song turns extra-terrestrial with woah-oh-ohs and beat made to hypnotize. Then you have the winding outro before the song fades out, and you can exhale…
But you’re addicted at this point.
‘Begin’ is going to be the anthem of a generation. It’s vibrant with regal melodies and original songwriting both structurally and lyrically. In the face of all that is wrong with this world, it’s a victorious celebration of life and a reminder of all that is good about it. It’s a breath of fresh air with extraordinary bass lines that seem to have a heartbeat of their own…
‘Place Your Bets’ is beautiful with floating synths and incredible dynamics, breathy transitions and, of course, sweet sounding guitars made in paradise. Jamie’s vocal range in this song is mesmerizing as well – enigmatic especially on the higher notes. It bodes well with the lyrics which are adamantly light-hearted. A song for the free spirited.
And finally, ‘Here Come the Zombies’… The melody is filled with sex appeal, complete with flirtatious guitars and bass, strong synth buildups, and an animation which almost literally grabs your body, forcing you to move.  It’s a rock’n’roll-tinged dance song, with edge, fire, and a wittiness in lyrics like
I know how to get us on the radio, got to sleep with someone famous. Let them name and shame us.
The lyrical development is clever throughout the song, but shines through the bridge, which then leads into a mind-blowing spectrum of sound.
Clearly, Apollo Junction do not just make tunes; they create larger-than-life sonic spectacles. It’s melodic euphoria.
Follow the band on Twitter: @ApolloJunction, LIKE their Facebook page and check out their website to stay up-to-date.
Also keep a watch out for more Apollo Junction on Rock’n’Roll in My Soul in the future.
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By the way, the warehouse they filmed the ‘Begin’ video in? It was a setting for late night raves. The police turned up just as the band finished (and lined them all up against a wall)! Oops… At least it was good timing!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks