Inland Mumur - 'Waterlines'
The second single from Cardiff four-piece Inland Murmur, ‘Waterline’ perfectly exhibits an almost wholly different side to the band.
Where debut single ‘Icarus’ showcased an almost trans-Atlantic indie vibe, bringing to mind bands such as Bear’s Den or even Death Cab for Cutie, ‘Waterline’ brings this closer to home, harbouring a jangle-pop indebted C-86 aesthetic in the vein of bands such as Veronica Falls.
Indeed, while the aforementioned debut saw Toby Llewellyn stepping up for main vocal duties, here it’s partner (musical and romantic) Hannah that takes the reins. The result is a track no less irresistible than it’s predecessor, but one that feels poppier and more melodic.
An odd choice perhaps, when you realise the track’s narrative explores ideas of grief and how nature can offer a different perspective on loss. It works though. Allowing for what could feel like a weighty subject matter to feel not so much breezy, but emotionally loaded without ever feeling overwrought.
With only two singles under their belts, Inland Murmur are a band very much in their infancy. Going off the basis of said singles however, you wouldn’t have thought it. Staggeringly nuanced slices of understated indie-pop that belie the band’s relatively young years, you can be expect to be seeing much more from Inland Murmur soon. If we don’t I’m going to be very disappointed.
Words by Dave Beech