It’s much to our delight to premiere a tremendous single in the form of Chambers by the brilliant alt-indie group Vansleep. I cannot lie; the band name intrigued me immediately. Was it a random word generator they used to combine the words? Is it their two favourite things mashed together as a phrase? Or possibly a cry for help due to them being forced to live out of a van? Worried now.
Anyhow, let’s move on past this possible scenario and concentrate on Chambers. It opens up with an immediate hooking effect, a building guitar riff and some relaxed vocals. It put this reviewer on edge, giving me the feeling of some impending doom. I pause the song and rush to get my BB gun, just in case. Feeling a bit safer, I continue. The lyrics “no matter what I do, I always seem to find a way to let you down” are hardly a glass half full outlook, but one that immediately connects. It’s easy to let people down and be a terrible human being, friend or partner. The reflection and regret of these actions is what makes your character and improves you as a person. Jesus! I’m getting too philosophical. Back to the music.
The atmosphere Vansleep have created here is one of energetic darkness, with Chambers being a powerfully aggressive tune that moves you to the core. I always value authenticity and transparency in the artists I listen to, so having lyrics with such little hope and self-punishment in them creates a headspace of introspection.
It’s comforting in hours of need to have songs like Chambers. We all mess up and let people down, participating in the inevitable binge of self-punishment that follows. Knowing you aren’t alone in feeling that way is essential, with this track providing odd comfort in those dark times.
Chambers is out on Friday. Listen to it now on Independent Music News.
