Last year we had our minds blown by discovering Morale; a Guildford, UK based trio with an emo grunge/rock sound that sparks nostalgia but feels new.
In our interview with the band, we learned that bands like Nirvana, Citizen, blink-182, Basement, and Jimmy Eat World were part of Simon (Guitar/Vox), Josh (Bass), and Toby’s (Drums) musical ‘upbringing’. With Morale, they sought to pay homage to their musical roots, honour the importance of music for them personally, as well as create something fresh and modern. We think they do it well!
“I’m a hazard to my health”
Coming into 2019 with a fresh new song, Morale express a sense of being trapped from the inside out with “Hold Me Down”. It’s rock that I can only describe as ‘beefy’ from its introduction; with thick riffs that set a strong tone. More subdued at its verses, before hitting us intensely again at the chorus, this dynamic of calm sharing and full-blown choruses is Morale doing what they do best.
Thematically, Morale seem to be fighting the grips of anxiety, or another inner experience that distances them from themselves. Feeling understandably unsettled and taken over by this, there’s a frustration that oozes through vocally. As well as being aware of and observing what they’re experiencing, there’s a spark of fight within to try to make a change. Check out “Hold Me Down”!
