Motel Thieves explore the unconscious in their new grunge-tinged indie song ‘Purple’.
Motel Thieves – Purple
Up-and-coming Welsh alternative rock wizards Motel Thieves are back with Purple, the first single off their upcoming debut EP, Compos Mentis. The band describe the psychedelic post-grunge number as an exploration of “lucid dreaming” and, through highly elaborate and metaphorical lyrics, they seek to explore the depths of the human mind.
The guitar-led melody lets you know that the band have taken more than a few cues from Pearl Jam in their heyday. And still, they flavour this heavy nihilistic-sounding grunge groove with screechy psychedelic-infused vocals à la Gallagher. The untamed, reverb-filled high-pitched singing amplifies the dream-like lyrics, which are almost cryptic, refusing to provide any specific details of the situations that may have served as inspiration. “Who are you? You are me! You are Purple!”, he yells in his trance-like slumber, seemingly trying to explore the most secretive corners of some mysterious stranger’s mind. Talks of being led down some mysterious path and having one’s secret true colours be revealed add to the mystically intimate atmosphere.
The combination of an ever-reverbing nu-psychedelic soundscape with vague yet penetrating words that pave the way through one’s dark thoughts echoes some of the more sombre tracks by indie rock masters Kasabian, such as The Doberman and ID.
Formed in 2019, Motel Thieves have been making a name for themselves in the indie scene, having performed sold-out domestic shows in Swansea and Cardiff, as well as Manchester and London. Additionally, they have been touring in support of acts such as The Royston Club and Tom Meighan, ex-vocalist of the aforementioned Kasabian.
Purple was produced by Nick Brine, known for his work with The Stone Roses, Oasis and The Verve. The full EP is due in July.
“A grunge-tinged indie jam filled with cryptic lyrics about the exploration of the secret corners of one’s mind”
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Words Fernando de Oliveira Lúcio
