Brisbane/Gold Coast based A Somerset Parade are back with new music, and we’re loving it! “Clementine” was released today, premiered via Heavy. The band are Daniel Cornish (vocals), Andrew Nolan (guitar), Brad James (bass), Mitch Matheson (guitar), and Matty Barton (drums).
The quintet first crossed our path with the release of their Against All Odds album in 2017. Though it was a strong collection of songs, my review of the album left me wanting more from the band; literally saying “I kept wanting more more MORE fire and passion without holding back, especially where the song seemed to call for it lyrically.”
So it’s an absolute pleasure to see that A Somerset Parade have gone back to the drawing board, worked on their sound, and come back with something that sounds and feels amazing! “Clementine” also earns extra brownie points due to being inspired by a favourite movie of mine, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. For the unfamiliar, the movie features characters (Clementine played by Kate Winslet and Joel played by Jim Carrey) who enlist a service to erase each other from their minds after a breakup.
Immediately feeling stronger and heavier than I’d remembered Against All Odds to be, “Clementine”‘s introduction also comes with a melody on keys that feels semi-nostalgic. It goes down smoothly at first, but is soon set alight. The process of devouring memories of a toxic relationship is expressed with vocal fire, heavy riffs, and agitated rhythms.
“So say “us” for the last time”
A memorable moment from the movie for me is when Clementine and Joel are desperately trying to keep connection within the memories, hiding away where is least expected they’d be found. The sweetness of this feels like it appears in the chorus; something of a beautiful soaring farewell. Despite the targeted deletion of another, this feels like a joy to be with. (Or maybe the joy is in the bliss of forgetting?)
I’m loving the slip back into the savagery of the verses, where desperation to shed another is easily felt. As the song heads into the bridge, this savagery continues to grow and it’s left feeling (and sounding) more blunt and final. There’s no compassion left, no tenderness, no softness, no feeling at all. But speaking of feeling, I’m in love with this chorus (and its glow and yellow and harmonies) and it’s a treat to have it return once again.
This is a massive step up for A Somerset Parade, and I’m keen to play this again and again (and also rewatch that movie). “Clementine” also comes with a music video created by Colin Jeffs, who has deftly captured the darkness of erasure and a glow of joy. Watch via YouTube below.
