single review

After a brief hiatus from recording since the release of their last album, ‘Here We Are’, Leeds quintet  Apollo Junction are back to doing what they do best; delivering catchy, pulsating electro indie bangers, this time in the form of their latest single, ‘Falling’.

Following on from a highly successful spring UK tour which saw them captivate audiences from Southampton to Newcastle the boys gained further followers from festival fields far and wide across the summer. Whilst their headline Leeds gig at Beckett SU has been put back to next April they are still committed to gigging this year and beyond, supporting Switchfoot before taking to the stage with Blossoms and Inhaler at Scarborough Open Air Theatre next July.

This single shows them leaving the somewhat stripped back feel of the last album behind, picking up from where they left off from ‘All In’. The guitar of Matthew Wilson is still there, providing both the rhythm and the edge that gives the track its identity, but for this number it’s fair to say that keyboard is king. Sam Potter’s work weaves its way through the song from the first bars keeping it grounded at times yet taking it to unexpected crescendos at others. It is this that allows Jamie Williamson’s vocals to alternate between mellow narrative and soaring exclamation which creates a metaphorical masterpiece of lyrical statements and questions. Ben Hope’s bass and Jonathan Thornton’s stick work provide the foundation and underpinnings of what is sure to delight followers old and new. 

There’s a lot packed into such a short song. The 2:46 track time makes it instantly accessible and the number moves along at a pace, hitting its sweet spot early. For such a tight and well produced number the swirling keys feel as though they are wandering and roaming around the staves, providing something of an unexpected freedom to the listener. It’s a wonderful, euphoric feeling which I suspect is what the band intended; the proverbial shackles are most definitely off with ‘Falling’. 

Considering that previous releases have been picked up by the likes of Disney, Netflix, BBC, ITV and MTV and used as soundtracks it would be no surprise to see this song gain quick traction and airplay. Performing alongside the likes of The Sherlocks, Shed Seven and Richard Ashcroft has also ensured that there’s a captive audience who will lap up this number…and more.

Apollo Junction never fail to either surprise or disappoint. Their songwriting and production values are so high but they still manage to better themselves with every release, every tour and every ‘out of the box’ event that they create. If it’s not a bus tour then it’s a gig at England’s highest pub, and in this case an unexpected single from nowhere! The big question is…‘what’s next?’

Apollo Junction. ‘Falling’. Released 1st November 2024

Words: Duncan Grant

Photos: Apollo Junction media and Duncan Grant