Circa Waves take over this week’s 1883 On Rotation playlist.
Indie-rockers Circa Waves have always been a formidable four-piece since they first started more than a decade ago, after forming in Liverpool back in 2013. The group’s top ten debut record, 2015’s Young Chasers, was an extremely impressive first outing, buoyed by hit singles like “T-Shirt Weather” and “Stuck in My Teeth”. Yet over the last several years, the band have continued to follow that streak with five stellar albums and even a sold-out date at London’s O2.
Now, the band are back with the ambitious double-album Death & Love, which is out today. It’s a project with two halves: mortality and then bouncing back from potential tragedy. There’s emotion, anthemic choruses, and energetic instrumentals across the 18-track record.
To coincide with the launch of Death & Love, Circa Waves’ frontman Kieran Shudall curated an exclusive playlist of songs inspired by death.
“Link” – Djo
I find Joe’s production super exciting – it’s like a modern take on The Beatles or The Cars. Really inspiring. He’s one of the indie artists truly driving forward that 70s sound, and the more of that around, the better, in my opinion.
“Tiny Moves” – Bleachers
The way he makes the instruments sound small yet keeps the song feeling huge is fascinating. Jack Antonoff is a powerhouse producer – everything he touches is worth listening to. Even his pop productions feel alive and full of analogue warmth.
“Ode” – Del Water Gap
I’ve always loved the melodies in this song. The lyrics drag your ear across the room. He’s an artist I always keep an eye on – walking the line between pop and indie while keeping it cool and fresh.
“Fairlies” – Grian Chatten
Fontaines D.C. are obviously brilliant, but this solo record really blew me away. The imagery is vivid and beautiful. There aren’t many people making poetry in music as well as he is right now.
“Speyside” – Bon Ivor
I love the vocal production on this. I’ve tried to emulate it on a few songs. He always manages to find sounds that feel unheard and original – even in a simple acoustic track.
“Little House of Savages” – The Walkmen
The energy on this recording is something I’ve tried to recreate, an almost impossible task, I might add. The Walkmen’s sound has been a constant inspiration throughout the whole of Circa Waves.
“My Own Soul’s Warning” – The Killers
I love how bombastic and huge this track is. It feels 70s and 80s all at once. The Killers are still one of my favourites. If anyone can find me a sample of that snare drum, please send it my way!
“Calling After Me” – Wallows
A really cool, simple song – feels close to something I’d write. I’m a big fan of the lower-register vocals. Wallows, like Del Water Gap, are great at bringing pop melodies into indie.
“Are You Looking Up” – Mk.gee
Mk.gee is about as original as it gets right now. He and Dijon make such alive, textured recordings. You can tell how influential he’s become by the number of people trying to recreate his guitar sound.
“Sally” – Role Model
It is just a vibey banger – sometimes that’s all you need. I’m not a massive country fan, but I’m into this new wave of indie-pop inspired by it.
Circa Waves’ new record Death & Love is out now.
Listen to the playlist below.
