Behind the curtain, alt-rock edition
In their newly released EP out of interest, Scottish alternative rockers We Were Promised Jetpacks share an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into their creative process. Consisting of five unreleased songs and original demo recordings, the EP will appeal to casual and longtime fans alike.
Running at just under 23 minutes, out of interest is a succinct, bite-size window into the eternally evolving psyche of a maturing indie rock band. Formed in 2003, We Were Promised Jetpacks released their first studio album, These Four Walls, to widespread critical acclaim in 2009. Ever since, the band has refined, reworked and experimented with their unique brand of postpubescent grit and wistful soul. Out of interest showcases a more retrospective side of We Were Promised Jetpacks, emphasizing themes of regret, loneliness and heartache. Approximately the length of one’s favorite The Office episode, out of interest is a perfect listen for shaking up–or wallowing in–the doldrums of quarantine.
Lead singles “when getting lost” and “same mistakes” combine polished, atmospheric guitar with echoing vocals to form a listening experience that is both sonically relaxing and lyrically melancholy. Despite the tracks’ relatively upbeat sound, there’s no mistaking the EP’s poignant lyrical depth. On “same mistakes,” vocalist Adam Thompson sings “It’s all in my head, and I’ll give up everything to talk to you instead…you’re making the same mistakes I did.” Despite centering on Thompson’s uphill battle with personal development and his futile attempts to help those around him, the pair of singles are nevertheless easy on the ears. Both “when getting lost” and “same mistakes” are, on the surface, exceptionally chill jams–only when listeners tune into the lyrics does the experience deepen and darken.
This introspective tone pervades the rest of out of interest, particularly on closing song “miles away.” While more musically upbeat than its predecessors, “miles away” is lyrically bleaker. “I’m giving up on giving up,” sings Thompson. “I’m so sick of everything…I’m giving up on everything.” It’s not necessarily the happiest way for a band to close an EP, but it’s certainly in character.
Out of interest is rounded out by “not wanted” and “impossible,” two unreleased demo versions of songs from previous album The More I Sleep the Less I Dream. Though a tad rougher around the edges than their official counterparts, the tracks are infused with pure, unfiltered creative energy.
As of June 19th, out of interest is available everywhere. Get listening, folks.
Leave a Comment