Track Of The Day :: Affairs - Brothers

Words: Linn Branson

Back in January we featured Manchester-based Affairs as a band to Keep On Track after hearing 'Blood Science' at the end of last year. Even XFM's John Kennedy was amongst those tipping the quintet for big things in 2015.

Since forming back when all were at Hull University, and garnering live support slots with the likes of Alt-J, Coasts, Young Kato, The 1975 and The Family Rain, they have spent much this year working on new material for an EP set for release later this year.

As a first taste of the fruits of their creativity, their new single is now unveiled - and a pretty blinding one it is, at that. Produced once again by Ed Buller (White Lies, Suede), and recorded between Konk studios in London and Buller's home studio, 'Brothers' is as crisp and sweet in both production as it is its synth flow and chiming guitar riffs. James Robinson just nails the vocal element, dipping occasionally into a higher octave, but mainly kept in a glorious lower register of richness that draws the attention, even if the melody itself were rubbish, which this is certainly not. Lyrically, where 'Blood Science' was based on literary influences from Dan Brown’s ‘Angels and Demons’, on 'Brothers', guitarist Liam Grindell tells us, there is another literary theme.

"The song gives literary reference to Gavin O'Connor's American sports drama 'Warrior'. The lyrics reflect the struggle of two brothers growing up with separating parents and the frightening effect it had on the children. The song explores themes of violence, alcohol addiction and family growing apart. 'Brothers' is about the strength of brotherly love and how it will always prevail, even through the hardest times."

Listening to early tracks from Affairs like 'Cressida' and 'Contact' from 18 months almost ago and the 'Muscle' EP, it's easy to see how much they have refined and matured in their sound in that time, with the synth side toned down to focus more on guitar and drums; still, however, focussed on the contrasting harmonies between Robinson and Grindell, one playing yang to the other's yin.

'Brothers' is released on September 4 via Yellow Brick Records.

Affairs play Humber Street Sesh Festival, Hull on August 1. A single launch show for 'Brothers' will be at Night & Day in Manchester on September 4. (Other dates are in the process of being confirmed.)