The Brookes are a name we've been forcing upon you ever since our birth, but following the release of their new single 'Lucy' we doubt we'll have to be doing so much longer. 'Lucy', along with its B-side, 'Shape of You', is to be released this Tuesday on all platforms and following this we're expecting the ever growing Brookes hype to reach its highest peak yet.
The Grimsby quartet have kindly allowed to us hear the new tracks before their release this week, and we can without doubt say that they're going to be huge. First of all, our Track of the Week, 'Lucy'. With energy and enthusiam that only Catfish and the Bottlemen can match, it's a real kick in the teeth to rock n'roll. Opening with the ever present fast-paced chords and drum beat, 'Lucy' builds itself up into an eruption of influence with undertones of 'Humbug'-era Arctic Monkeys along with shades of The Libertines and Miles Kane shaping the track into a real catchy number. It's a messy track, but in a good way. Engineered with gigs in mind, this track was made for a crowd of revellers. 'Shape of You' on the other hand is a slower and more laid back, purely Oasis inspired track. Lead singer Ben Keal's Liam Gallagher-esque vocals ride their way through a wave of synth fuelled chuggering rock n'roll as The Brookes mould their ever maturing sound into something you simply can't not like.
RIFFED's Rating for 'Lucy': 9/10
RIFFED's Rating for 'Shape of You': 7/10
Here's what The Brookes had to say when we grabbed a word with them earlier this week:
1. It's been a few months since we last spoke, how's things been going for you all?
We've had a line up change as you know and we have been getting our heads together with new material ready for the year. So, all good really.
2. You're set to release your new single, 'Lucy', next week. What should we be expecting?
It's a lot different to what you've heard from us before, we've all had haircuts and plenty of Tetleys (two sugars). We think we're progressed a lot since our last release. A lot more have gone into these tracks than the previous ones, we've been writing these since before we even recorded 'Masquerade' really. A lot has gone into them. We've tried to make every track sound a bit different, just to spice things up a bit. These are big tunes.
3. You recently let out that you turned down the chance to support Catfish and the Bottlemen on their recent UK tour due to other commitments. How do you feel about this looking back and has it encouraged you to work even harder to get yourselves on those kind of bills?
It wasn't really other commitments, it was just really late notice. The tour was like two weeks away from when they asked us so we couldn't really get the funds together, or the time off work. Yeah I suppose it has really, knowing we passed on that opportunity and they don't come by every day. Hopefully another offer will come along soon and we'll blow everyone's knickers off.
4. Would you say your sound has changed and matured since the release of your debut EP, 'Masquerade'?
Yeah I'd say so. We've always been inspired by the likes of The Libertines and Strokes and that, but this time we've brought loads more influences into account. Our producer said the B-side, 'Shape of You', sounds really Led Zep / Jimi Hendrix influenced; which was good to hear.
5. You recently announced your slot at this years Tramlines lineup in Sheffield, how does it feel to be playing the same festival with names like The Charlatans?
Yeah it's good. They're a big influence of ours and we listened to them growing up like, so it's mad to be playing the same festival as them.
6. You've already announced a few gigs for 2015, including a sold out hometown gig at The Warehouse in Grimsby. How does it feel playing to a hometown crowd?
We always have a laugh playing hometown gigs. Everyone knows the words and has a good time. It's like we don't have to win them over like we do at away gigs. It's always a good feeling selling out a 300 capacity venue two months advance of the gig and that's not a feeling we've reached at away gigs just yet. Hopefully this year will bring good things.
7. You've recently had a change to your line-up, with a new drummer entering the band. How's it working out since his arrival and has it been a beneficial change?
Beneficial isn't even the word mate. It's completely changed our game bringing a new member in, with all his influences and experience taken into account it can only mean good. He's played alongside The Rolling Stones at the Olympics, and from the off with him our new songs have just clicked.
8. Can we be expecting another EP later in the year?
There'll definitely be another release or two that's for sure, never really know what's round the corner though. Might even have an album out.
9. What's next to come for The Brookes?
You never know what's round the corner. We're grafting our tits off curling out thumpers and we're hoping something big will come along in 2015.
10. Last of all, where can we hear 'Lucy' when it's released?
iTunes, Spotify, hard copies and everywhere online.
Follow The Brookes:
Twitter: @TheBrookesUK
Facebook: /TheBrookesUK
SoundCloud: /TheBrookesUK
YouTube: /TheBrookesUK