JAWS reveal previously unheard track ‘Untitled’ and discuss what they’ve been up to
We catch up with JAWS upon the release of their shimmering new single
Photo: Peter Lally
I first discovered JAWS around 2013, during the “B-Town” wave of indie bands from Digbeth, which also included the likes of Peace and Superfood, and have been a fan ever since.
With three albums under their belts since then, the band have taken a bit of a break over the last couple of years to pursue other ventures and, during 2020, largely due to Covid related restrictions. However, the four-piece are now back on the scene with a brand new tune and have a UK tour booked for later this year, which is something that new and old fans alike will be looking forward to.
The new single, Untitled, maintains their smooth, glimmery indie-pop sound that we love. Powered by dreamy synths, echoing guitar riffs and strong bass, the tune is warming and summery. It doesn’t disappoint and sets them up for an exhilarating year. I’m hoping to catch the band at Y Not Festival this year, so I’m excited to hear how the song will be live!
I was able to chat with drummer Eddy Geach ahead of the single’s release to ask a few questions about the band, and how they’ve been getting on over the last few years.
Hi, Eddy! Obviously, the last year has been really difficult for musicians. How have you guys adapted throughout the numerous lockdowns — did you try zoom rehearsals or anything along those lines?
Aside from not being to meet up and jam not much has changed for us. Before the pandemic, our practice sessions weren’t very often due to where we all live in relation to each other. We didn’t even attempt a virtual rehearsal because it just wouldn’t have worked.
We talk every day on WhatsApp and send each other little snippets or complete songs that we’ve come up with at home. When we eventually get back in the practice room, we’ll go back to everything we’ve come up with and try to piece something together.
You’ve recently announced a UK tour for this Winter (fingers crossed it’s all able to go ahead!). What are you looking forward to most about being able to play live again, and are there any gigs in particular that you’re excited for?
The feeling of us being on stage, playing these songs together is something we’ve all craved and missed. Of course, connecting with the audience whilst doing that is the real buzz of playing live. I’m looking forward to getting back to London — despite the given pressures of playing there — but also getting back to the North is so exciting.
As a result of the lack of funding, which has been heightened by the pandemic, so many independent music venues in the UK have had to close over recent years. What are your thoughts on this, and do you feel the closure of these spaces will be a determent to upcoming artists?
Yes, without a doubt. The first few years of starting a band are arguably the most fun and the recent closures of some of these iconic venues, which we've had the privilege to play in, is just making it harder for bands and stunting people from hearing new music live. The gap that new artists are expected to jump without the help of these venues, which create and birth new scenes, is proving near impossible and ultimately not worth the hassle.
It's been seven years since the release of your first album, Be Slowly. The indie music scene has arguably changed quite a lot since that time, with the folding of print magazines like NME, and the constant growth of social media and streaming services. Do you feel like the band has also changed a lot since that time, both musically and personally?
First of all, I can't believe it's been that long!
Honestly, those things don't tend to influence us musically, however, we bear it in mind when it comes to formatting and planning releases. It's certainly a shame that physical publications are soon to be a thing of the past but we tend to quickly notice and accept the new ways of media and adapt to them. It's simply the way it is now. Saying that, publications like the NME and DIY magazine have done wonders for us in the past. We were lucky to have those guys on our side.
Your last album, The Ceiling, hinted at a lot of themes of growing up and feeling lost, something a lot of people can relate to. Two years on, is this feeling still prominent within the band, or do you all feel a bit more settled?
Covid saw the loss of a lot of great gigs for us which was a real setback. It did make us feel quite deflated and unsettled. However, Connor went back to university to study music to regain that focus of what he wants to do. I and the other two guys spent time working on our homes and trying to write songs too. We all experienced tough times personally and it was hard but I think we are at a point now which has more clarity and yes, feeling more settled indeed.
Do you have any plans for a new album, and could we hear some new material on the upcoming tour?
Potentially, we tend to look as far as the plans that are currently in place to ensure we execute them properly. However, there are some makings of a new album from things we've messed around with over lockdown. As soon as we finish the November tour, we'll be eager to get back into the studio. Hopefully have something to showcase before the tour starts too!
Alongside Untitled is a limited edition photobook that showcases photos taken in 2019 by Peter Lally, with the addition of a t-shirt emblazoned with one of Peter’s photos.
Catch the Birmingham natives live this year:
