Single review

So…what have Apollo Junction got in common with The Spice Girls and Bryan Adams? The answer isn’t immediately obvious, although you might quickly make a link through Mel C’s collaborative single, ‘When you’re gone’. Still not got it? Well I’ll put you out of your misery: The band’s new single ‘Entagled’ was co-written by Eliot Kennedy, the renowned songwriter who has previously penned tunes for the other two aforementioned household names. Impressed? It doesn’t stop there. The song was recorded at Chairwork Studios with David Watts – no, not the topic of the eponymous number by The Jam, but the producer and engineer who has previously worked with the likes of Richard Hawley, the Kaiser Chiefs and Paul Heaton. 

Impressive eh? It’s clear that something is brewing at AJ HQ at the moment and that they’re not simply content with collaborating with Briana Corrigan on their last release, ‘Settle Down’.

So what’s ‘Entagled’ all about? Well, I wish I could tell you easily but the truth is that I think I’d either need a degree in astrophysics or for Professor Brian Cox to sit me down and explain the lyrics with words of one syllable to fully grasp the concept! Ever heard of Quantum Entaglement? No, nor me, but apparently it’s something to do with a connection between particles that transcends distance. Still confused? In essence it means that however far apart these particles are, they remain connected. Getting the drift yet? I hope so. The song lyrics essentially compare this principle to how we, as humans, are sometimes just meant to be together, whatever life throws at us. Yes, it’s that simple really…all said and done, it’s a love song.

On the back of ‘Settle Down’, the song retains the same upbeat tempo and has an uplifting brightness running through it that makes you smile. For fans, think ‘Are you happy?’ and you won’t be too far wrong in terms of the feel and sound. The guitar is there, yes, but used as a shrill accent. The keys are there too, but moving the melody on rather than adding contrast. The bass resonates with the percussion and the vocals are well supported by harmonies that bring lift. As for the electro edge…it’s there, of course, but the effects are used in a subtly different way, matching the lyrical genre and giving things a somewhat futuristic edge when needed. The whole production notches things up a key and the timbre keeps you tapping along throughout the song, whilst you wait eagerly for each chorus. It’s catchy and, after a couple of listens, it’s hard to shake from your memory. Yes, a proverbial ear worm. Not a bad sign at all. 

Apollo Junction continue to knock at the the popular music door. With every twist, trick and collaboration that they immerse themselves into it opens a little wider. With the success of their recent tour, the stature of their last venture, the imminent release of their next album, ‘What in the World’, and the exposure that this release will bring them they really are primed for lift off!

‘Entagled’ is out on 10th June 

Words by Duncan Grant