Portsmouth based alt-rock band ‘Oxygen’ announce debut single ‘Without A Trace’ – a blistering introduction to a band discovering its identity in the midst of upheaval and change.
Photographer- Jasmine Amber Photography
‘Oxygens’ Single, “Without A Trace” was brewed from hardship and time of pressure, something that is beautifully evident through their songwriting. The five-piece band from Portsmouth featuring Singer, Jack Woolston, Drummer, Todd Jones, Guitarist, Archie Waugh, Bassist, Jacob Owens, and Guitarist Luca George were able to capture the complete uncertainty and unpredictability from a time in their musical career perfectly into their new Single, by creating almost a false sense of safety through the song, as the bands use of experimentation and contradicting techniques leaves the listener constantly drawn to hear what comes next. “There was definitely a sense of being on the edge of something, and a feeling that we were at a bit of a boiling point. The song seemed to arrive at the perfect moment and just pulled it all together.”
The song begins with the humming of guitars, setting a sense of a mellowed atmosphere before strikingly kicking in heavily with driving guitars and heart-pounding drums. The incredible use of surprise straight off into this single catches the attention of listeners immediately, and drawn in even more as the lead vocals begin, featuring harmonies behind them to involve more depth, highlighting the talent of ‘Oxygen’ and their use of various songwriting techniques. Immediately based on only the first verse, you can already tell that ‘Oxygen’ know exactly how they want “Without a trace” to be portrayed. Progressing through the song, the guitars tone down to the same relaxed feel heard in the intro, yet kicking in straight away again to create a sense of new unpredictability and clear use of an experimental inspiration with this new single.
Rather than trying to tame the uncertainty, ‘Without A Trace’ leans into it, continually traversing between light and dark, restraint and release, its arrangement constantly shifting and unfolding. The song, recorded live at Ford Lane Studios, opens with atmospheric airy guitar textures, almost symbolic of the bands lack of direction at the time, before tearing into a torrent of guitar and drums with a ferocity only made possible by the release of genuine pressures and tensions within the group. While other bands orchestrate and perfect songs with clear intentions, ‘Oxygen’ chose a raw, unfiltered, and honest form of expression through writing this Single, choosing to let the bands emotions run free instead of confining each instruments to the basics. The loose, rough and experimental approach to ‘Oxygens’, “Without A Trace” perfects a song that was never supposed to be perfect.
It is this tension and release which defines ‘Without A Trace’. The song feels like being pulled in every direction all at once. It is propelled forwards by driving guitar rhythms while Jones’ frenetic drumming seems intent on pushing the song beyond its limits, threatening to send the whole thing careening off course. Jacob Owens’ deep bass holds the whole thing down while Woolston’s melodic vocals soar over the top. It is a song held together by instinct, exceptional musicianship, and the chemistry of a band that has finally found its balance through chaos.
Overall, “Without A Trace” by ‘Oxygen’ is a must for your next listen, its a single that stays true to its backstory, and perfectly captures the emotions and breakdown of a band that will evidently keep on moving to bigger things in the industry, a band you do not want to miss. Give “Without A Trace” a listen when it drops in a weeks time!