Single review. Pre save here: https://li.sten.to/apollojunctionsettledown

If their last release, ‘Falling’, was a return to the music style of album two, ‘All In’, then Apollo Junction’s upcoming single is a completely unexpected detour…but an exciting one. 

This tune is different in a range of ways, but most notably in the fact that it is, in effect, a duet.  The renowned DIY band have, for once, not done it all themselves. Joining lead vocalist Jamie Williamson to tell the song’s story is one time Beautiful South singer Briana Corrigan. It’s a coup and a masterstroke by the band which brings an added dimension and complexity to their sound. Corrigan’s voice acts as both an accompaniment and as a catalyst to that of Williamson’s. There’s both synergy and friction which combine perfectly to create something that is both new as well as familiar. 

‘Settle Down’ tells the story of a couple whose life has been somewhat lived, whose hedonistic moments may well now be behind them and whose lust for life has begun to wane. With this comes a full circle journey with perhaps a monotonous and sedative life their destination and a return to a place called ‘home’. 

A melancholy song? Far from it. Along with the lyrical realisation that home is where they were meant to be and where their hearts are comes a contentment and an excitement about the future. This, combined with a bouncy tune and a bright,  jangling guitar overtone creates an upbeat and uplifting number. It’s as clever as it is catchy, transitioning easily between melody and  harmony, between singing and talking, between a monotone verse and a resonating chorus and between major and minor chords.

Long time followers of Apollo Junction will be used to the keys and electronics of Sam Potter playing a leading role in their songs. They are still there on ‘Settle Down’ but the way the song is orchestrated allows Matt Wilson’s guitar to star. It is always there, playing a game of tig with the vocals whilst dancing around with Ben Hope’s bass. Jonathan Thornton plays both choreographer and conductor with his percussion work, which is as tight as ever. 

‘Settle Down’ is a wonderful collaboration of which the band are rightly proud. It’s Corrigan’s first joint venture for some time and one which she travelled from Ireland to be part of.  It’s clear from the production that  both parties fully enjoyed the process and have been keen to do this for some time. There’s musicality, gratitude and respect interwoven throughout this song and it showcases all of what you already knew about Apollo Junction, as well as a lot that you didn’t. 

In my review of their last single I asked the question‘ ‘What’s next?’. The band’s reply was ‘What indeed?’.  Well now I know…but it’s something I could never have expected. Settle Down? Apollo Junction? Not for a while I think.

‘Settle Down’ is released on Shed Load Records on 4th April and is taken from their forthcoming album ‘What In The World’. 

Pre save here:

https://li.sten.to/apollojunctionsettledown

Catch Apollo Junction on tour this Spring:

https://www.apollojunction.com/tour

See Briana Corrigan on tour this Spring:

Words by Duncan Grant