@georgemcfadyen_
SAMA Best Rock/Alternative winners Bottle Rockets release stellar fifth track. ‘Winter Baby’ is the next addition to the band’s anthem ridden discography. Having enjoyed a Barrowlands slot at Tenement Trail 2023 and, more recently, airtime on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, Bottle Rockets should be a name for all indie fans to familiarise themselves with.
The track begins with heavy drums and a catchy chord progression on distorted guitar before a sudden switch to vocals and a sole pulsing beat. The feel of the song is straightaway identifiable as a Bottle Rockets track. They consistently find a way to capture, what is fast becoming, their sound. That being the pulsing beats, catchy riffs, arena filing distorted guitar, sweet and sour lyrics. Everything they release seems to capture it perfectly. All credit to their producer Jamie Holmes who undoubtedly plays a pivotal role!
The re-introduction of the drums is slick and begins to transition into the first verse, the tone and vocals of lead singers, Kenzi, voice fits the track seamlessly as the song makes its way into the chorus.
“I’ll curse my Mother, we’re just like each other. Never seeing anything through. I’m a Winter Baby, I’ve been cold since the womb.”
The track again features catchy guitar in the transition to the second verse, with a build on the drums helping to set the bridge up. The lyrics here provide a sense of anticipation that matches the feel of the music:
“Will you still call me by my name? Even if I don’t look the same. You and your voices at your core. Don’t want to hear them anymore”
The last verse provides a fitting outro to the track, with robotic-like effects being used on the vocals. The biggest takeaway from the track is how much I’d like to hear it live, as I’m certain it would be a standout on the Bottle Rockets setlist.
The track is a great listening experience and, although contrary to the title, the perfect addition to summer playlists. After featuring on both BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1, Barrowlands main stage slots at Tenement Trail, it’s only a matter of time before Bottle Rockets officially take off. Catch them next at their headline show at King Tuts on the 18th April. Tickets available via the band’s social channels.
