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Album of the Week: The Ninth Wave - Infancy


Scottish noise pop duo The Ninth Wave complete the release of their debut album “Infancy” today, with the release of Part II, which follows on from where Part I left off in April.


A brief glimpse into The Ninth Wave’s disruptive, convention-skewering world makes it clear in an instant that this is a band with something to say. Their sharp, self-assured lyrics take a no-holds-barred approach to documenting the state of society, the human condition and their own personal battles, all written from the very relatable perspective of a group of young people existing in a time defined by widespread unrest and division. From explorations of self-torment and paranoia (“This Broken Design”) to not being accepted by society (“Flower Into Wounds”) and the overwhelming fatigue of living in a superficial culture (“Half Pure”), “Infancy” is, at its core, a mirror of the darkest facets of living in 2019.

The Ninth Wave’s uncompromising message is delivered in a gargantuan, electrifying sonic style that can’t fully be likened to anyone who’s come before them. “We never started with a mindset of ‘We want to be like this band,’” says frontman Haydn Park-Patterson. “We're always trying to do something new.” In a wildly oversaturated market of cut-and-paste indie, The Ninth Wave offer a shock of ’80s-infused power pop, drawing influence from the post-punk greats and a blend of their parents’ record collections, including Stevie Nicks, JJ Cale and AC/DC. The vast array of inspirations they cite culminates in something that is wholly unique, lending itself to no labels or sub genres besides “the sound of The Ninth Wave.”

On recent single “Used To Be Yours”, bassist Millie Kidd mans lead vocal duty for the first time, delivering an impassioned yet subdued back-and-forth with Haydn. Their deep introspection and emotional maturity far belies their youth, which is what makes The Ninth Wave’s lyrics so endearing; “the song is set in the No Man’s Land that you find yourself in after a relationship ends, where you still feel like you have some sort of possession over each other,” says Millie. “It reflects upon the inability to find comfort in one’s own company.” Set to a slow-burning riff and enriched by Millie and Haydn’s dreamy, narcotic vocals, “Used To Be Yours” is a certified stand-out from “Infancy” and an addictive taste of what’s to come.

“Used To Be Yours” and the album’s lead single “Half Pure”, which was recently playlisted at Radio X, are the band’s first offerings following a game-changing 2018, which saw them garner support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, The Guardian and NME and gain a spot on Amazing Radio’s list of Tips for 2019. The band sold out a homecoming headline show at Saint Luke’s, Glasgow and recently wrapped up a UK tour with whenyoung, as well as a support slot for CHVRCHES at the SSE Hydro Arena. Shows in New York and SXSW recently preceded a huge European tour alongside The Blinders. With critical acclaim and an impeccable reputation on the live circuit both nailed, it’s only a matter of time before The Ninth Wave permeate the mainstream and cement their position as one of the British music scene’s brightest new prospects.



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