Seven years after The Maccabees played three majestic farewell shows at Alexandra Palace, 86TVs featuring Felix and Hugo from the band and their brother Will sees 86TVs finally bring their self-titled debut, which was released with high anticipation a few days ago. The band themselves express that their debut “exudes a positive spirit and unrestrained energy, its harmony-rich songs exploring a depth of avenues along the indie and alt-rock spectrum”, an apt summary of their confident, life affirming sound, despite a seven year period of creation held back by the band’s other side projects along the way. Its release follows on from major UK festival slots and a huge headline support slot culminating at their old stomping grounds in Alexandra Palace Park.
Opening song ‘Modern Life’ starts with the profound existential question “modern life – is it not just shouting at machines?” followed by founding member Will’s anguished exclamation “I’m not receiving anything”. As the jangly, progressive guitar develops, the chorus is repeated with increasing urgency, and the track builds up grippingly to a gently crushing crescendo as Felix repeats the opening question in a softly spoken but beautifully direct tone.
Second track ‘Tambourine’ signals a huge uplift in confidence and depth of sound, the lead and bass guitar sounding richer and heavier, and the overall sound benefiting from an injection of more passion and intent.
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Third track ‘New Used Car’ sees Hugo collaborate with close friend and indie stalwart Jamie T, his distinctive cockney drawl adding an edge with the lines “nothing lasts forever gotta live for today” and “sometimes you have to fall to rise” bringing his trademark wayward yet worldly wise charm. Guitarist, bandmate and White brother in the band Hugo himself has a strong connection with Jamie T, having produced in 2022 the majority of Jamie’s first Number One album ‘The Theory of Whatever’, and this creative bond purveys strongly throughout this superb track.
‘Worn Out Buildings’ is compelling with its hypnotic piano chords and anthemic sound, the first two and a half minutes of emphatic piano and lead guitar reaching an explosive end with an expert shift in tempo. ‘Komorebi’ sees a softer side to the band again and arguably features one of the most poetic lyrics on the album: “Loved you through thick and thin / lost you the further we went,” sung with remarkable depth and wisdom by Will.
86TVs are a band whose debut album is the sums of its parts; whose formidable past endeavours including The Maccabees have helped cultivate a distinctive sound today which promises to deliver more in their bright future ahead.
8/10
Words: Brendan Sharp
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