A fusion of lively indie sounds and Brit-pop sensibilities, with a clear homage to the classic American songbook...
Two years after the euphoric release of their debut album, Eades return with a new record that exchanges chaos for clarity. ‘Final Sirens Call’, their much-anticipated second album, marks a departure from their rough post-punk beginnings as they embrace a more polished and expansive sound – one rich with Americana-inspired melancholy, mid-90s indie grit, and the restless reflection of artists reconciling their place in a fragmented world. The theme of growth takes center stage as the quintet delves deeper into their roots, discovering rare peace amid the shifting landscape.
Building on the foundations laid by 2022’s ‘Delusion Spree’—an album exploring the anxieties of early adulthood—and 2024’s ‘Fight Or Flight’ EP, which embodied traditional Americana and the ethos of mid-90s indie, ‘Final Sirens Call’ encapsulates a quieter form of chaos. Its eleven tracks unfold gradually, often resonating with a soft acceptance rather than outright rebellion. This intricate record doesn’t loudly proclaim its evolution; instead, it reveals itself through gentle shifts, akin to a bruised dawn.
Vocalists Harry Jordan and Tom O’Reilly share the storytelling with impressive unity, their voices intertwining through themes of burnout, nostalgia, and self-doubt, showcasing a maturity that appears hard-earned. The opening track, ‘The Other Side Of Life’, establishes the mood: a frank contemplation of the emotional challenges of being an artist in the content-driven era—a disillusionment not only with the industry but also with the act of self-promotion as a means of survival. The lyrics highlight the struggle of not comparing oneself to others in the creative process, a sentiment that resonates with artists from all backgrounds.
The album balances the personal with the political. ‘Did You Read The News?’ combines upbeat jangle-pop rhythms with a cynical take on media fatigue and performative outrage. In this song, the band questions their identity as musicians, reflecting on the socio-political frustrations that often surfaced in their earlier work, while recognizing how easy it is to fall into autopilot—drifting through life as current events fade into mere background noise. In contrast, ‘Backwards’ ventures into alt-country territory, featuring shimmering pedal steel and a chorus that resonates with a hangover-like ache, lamenting the futility of altering oneself to win the approval of inconsequential individuals.
What’s most impressive is the record's overall cohesiveness, despite the variety of themes and emotions explored. Where ‘Delusion Spree’ sometimes felt like a mixtape—restless and energetic but lacking consistency—‘Final Sirens Call’ feels like the evolution of the same group, now more seasoned, thoughtful, and confidently assured. This evolution is partly attributed to the production—largely done at their own Bam Bam Studios, managed by Jordan, the album exudes warmth, an analog feel, and a sense of leisure. With a new professional space and an expanding toolkit of production equipment, the band has finally matched their recording ambitions, a fact that is evident in their output.
The arrangements have a relaxed quality while still feeling purposeful; they reflect a band secure enough to allow their songs to breathe. Clearly, Eades have matured not only in their sound but also in their focus, maintaining their edge. ‘Final Sirens Call’ does not aim for reinvention or spectacle; rather, it fine-tunes what has always been present—smoothing out the rough edges, emphasizing their strengths, and allowing the songwriting to shine. This album offers a patient, unshowy, and ultimately satisfying experience that signifies not just the release of new music, but the emergence of a band fully in command of their direction and ready to adapt to the evolving landscape.
7/10
Words: Gemma Cockrell
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Two years after the wild energy of their first album, Eades comes back with a release that swaps chaos for clarity. On 'Final Sirens Call', their