Single Review: Various Cruelties – The Great Unknown
Various Cruelties‘ latest single ‘Great Unknown’ has a fitting title, given the band is currently treading on the cusp of their debut album. The London-based band formed in 2010, and since then have honed their formula, crafting a series of indie pop hits to build up tension before their highly-anticipated release.
‘Great Unknown’ progresses naturally, building upon a catchy riff that carries the tune through an explosive, almost anthemic ending. Lead singer Liam O’Donnell, whose voice almost echos the style of Band of Horses‘ Ben Bridwell, is missing a bit of edge towards the end. But in this case, it is much appreciated, and allows instrumentation to kindly meet the vocals half way. It’s both refreshing and rare when rock bands don’t over-do the frontman ego, and in this case, it’s one of Various Cruelties’ strong points.
All in all, Various Cruelties are a promising young bunch, and have already played shows with the likes of Noah and the Whale, Tribes and Funeral Party. And with their feet hanging over the edge of a pretty major leap, Various Cruelties are throwing down a little cushioning with this single, a listen that is easy without being simple, catchy without kitschy, and big without being overambitious.
8/10
Various Cruelties’ new single ‘The Great Unknown’ is out now.
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