Review: Raging Clue make mental health the forefront of their newest alternative rock single 'Chapters'
Inspired by the greats like Green Day and Blink-182, it's no surprise that Nottingham based alternative rock band Raging Clue bring to the table a uniquely modernised version of that sound complemented by grungy, nostalgic undertones.
With a handful of previous singles like pop-punk hit 'Drop This Feeling' and the catchy hooks of 'She Don't' leaving you with one hell of an earworm, this trio have quite the impressive discography after only two years of releases. As they set foot into their next era of what they term to be a 'deeper and darker side' for the trio, their newest single 'Chapters' sets a brazen impression of what's to come after following from their other recent single 'Road So Far'.
Immediately captivating instrumentally, 'Chapters' sets the stage for a progressive sound that at heart is pop-punk but in soul brings a more emotional flair through the alternative instrumentals that couldn't be strictly achieved any other way. From the raging opening chords and thumping drum beat, there's an evident build-up of energy and anticipation right from the get-go as Raging Clue serve to excite listeners as much as hope they listen deeper. With a driving beat carrying us through this thundering three minute anthem, this three-piece offer a brief escape from reality in 'Chapters' with every thrilling guitar riff that twists and turns into the next climax. It's absolutely enveloping to be carried through such a rush of highs and lows, exploring instrumental bursts of bombastic ambition and an undeniable originality within their patchwork of modern and reinvented older tones brought to a new life through their evolving sound. Landing somewhere between pop-punk and alternative rock, 'Chapters' is the perfect slice of head-banging enjoyment paired with a meaning made all the more accessible with this upbeat and hopeful sound.
With a soundscape that makes this whirlwind of a narrative feel light and digestible, 'Chapters' professes quite the tough story when you listen to what's being laid out before you. With the primary message focusing upon the weight of the world becoming too hard to bear, there are many heart-wrenching lines like 'I just can't take this anymore, it's like this misery is written' and 'Read ahead just a few chapters, and see a man who's hanging from the rafters' that very darkly foreshadow the crumbling mental state of our leading protagonist. Despite this, the repeated notion of rewriting these chapters pops up every chorus, urging any listeners to brave their way through the darkness and find hope and meaning in their lives once again, whilst still reminding them this struggle is not something they are alone in. Bundled amongst one large metaphor of a book with it's pages unravelling through every line, 'Chapters' is a one of a kind experience within both its thoughtful exploration of mental health struggles and the sure-to-be crowdpleaser instrumentals.
Give a listen to 'Chapters' for yourself here to be transported back to the days alternative rock swept the charts, but with lyricism more open and real than ever before.
Written by: Tatiana Whybrow
Photo Credits: Nick Neuenhaus Photography
