Alternative electro trio Gangs of Ballet is best known for having stolen people’s hearts with their famous singles ‘Hello Sweet World’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Go.’ However, on the first part of their new six-track EP, “Form and Function” a slight change in direction is evident. This change needn’t be a bad thing though as track ‘Ageless’ certainly proves. Its peppy electro backdrop beams with confidence and perfectly highlights the thoughtful lyrics the band has become so well-known for.
The first single titled ‘Always,’ is likely the track that best showcases the band’s musical maturation. While still preserving the emotional lyrical content and animated melodies fans have come to love on tracks like ‘Don’t Let Me Go,’ ‘Always’ uses synth flourishes to revive and innovate the band’s already established sound.
‘Blurry’ is expressive and thought-provoking, with the potential of becoming a go-to sing-along tracks for fans. Its infectious bridge-chorus combo and haunting final notes brand it as one of the EP’s standout tracks.
Happiness and hopefulness are some of the emotions that come to mind when listening to the track ‘I Can Hear You.’ The track is powerful and optimistic and will have you jumping and chanting along in no time.
While the above-mentioned tracks are all lively and dance-worthy, ‘Nylon’ leads the listener to a whole different sphere with its soulful vocals and Boyz II Men bass line. As the track builds, listeners get to experience a new side of Gangs of Ballet as they introduce a more relaxed, yet still impactful sound to their repertoire. The track fades out with experimental, almost otherworldly notes that will reverberate in your subconscious well after the song has ended.
‘Seven’ has an attention-grabbing intro, and its staccato verses give it a bouncy quality, which work in unexpected harmony with its flowing melody. Its lingering lyrics and wailing guitar accompaniment make for an enthralling listen. This is the track that brings “Form and Function” together and is indicative of the EP’s showcases brilliance as a whole. Its colourful guitar solo will command you to sit up and listen, while the megaphone-like interlude near the song’s end will captivate and enchant listeners, coaxing them into giving the track – and the entire EP – another listen.
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Listen to “Form & Function” below on Deezer.