We Speak Music
It Man release ‘White Heat’
In a moving tribute new band IT MAN made a statement on their social media this week ahead of the release of debut single ‘White Heat’, which reads as follows,
“After much thought and consideration, we have decided that we will no longer perform or release music as The Jacques. Since the formation of the band 8 years ago, our line-up has changed, sometimes amicably but also in ways beyond our control. Four years ago, we lost our best friend and bassist Will. We had just completed our debut album ‘The Four Five Three’ after spending our early 20s living and touring together. These are precious memories of ours and we are grateful for all of the friendship, support and love we have received over the years. We are currently finishing an album that we feel marks a departure from our previous musical direction. It is for that reason that we have agreed to be known by a different name moving forward. Thank you all for your continued support. Love, Finn, Elliot, Harry & Dexter a.k.a It Man”.
And so it was, born of the ashes of one band who tasted early success touring with The Libertines, playing Glastonbury and SXSW, as championed by BBC and signing with a major label, the story unfolds in a new and thrilling way as 2023 sees the birth of IT MAN as they get ready to dominate UK and European shores with a series of heavy hitting new wave Britpop n rock releases scheduled including a new album later this year.
New member Dexter Dougan on the bass has brought healing and a whole new sense of purpose for these talented musicians as demonstrated on ‘White Heat’ their debut single, and a satirical romp through the fictional psyche of a young, middle-class 20th century couple fantasising about explosives, casual gambling and being some kind of street gangster.
Lead singer Finn O’Brien slurs out, “I’m trying, I’m trying not to think about it, cause its only there when I think about it”. All the while the guitars do a symbolic sleight of hand manoeuvre busily transporting the listener to some far off beach in the tropics, whilst nodding cheekily towards the spectre of neurosis that lurks just beneath the consumerist glitz of modern life.
‘White Heat’ was recorded by the legendary The Strokes producer Gordon Raphael and produced & mixed by another producer giant Dan Swift.
Oh and if you’re wondering why It Man, well it’s the title of a John Cooper Clarke poem/song which struck a chord with all members of the band.
‘White Heat’ will release on all platforms on March 31 on the band’s own label, Sore Records and It Man will be on the road from May as support for TALK SHOW, BRIX SMITH and MENADES
5th May / Guildford / Boileroom w/ TALK SHOW
23rd May / Bristol / Strange Brew w/ BRIX SMITH
24th May / Manchester / Yes w/ BRIX SMITH
28th May / London / Lower Third w/ BRIX SMITH
8th June / Newcastle / Cluny 1 w/ BRIX SMITH
15th June / Stroud / Subscription Rooms w/ BRIX SMITH
16th June / Portsmouth / Wedgewood Rooms w/ BRIX SMITH
18th June / London / AMP w/ MENADES
19th June / Brighton / Prince Albert w/ MENADES
“Balancing Act” by Vinyl Floor is a real treat. It is the sixth record from brothers Daniel and Thomas Charlie Pedersen sounds like it was made for right now and how they blend the ’60s and ’70s with modern elements never feels forced.
The production is clear and thoughtful. Every string, every horn, every vintage keyboard has space to exist. “Puppet Laureate” opens strong with real energy, while “The Swan of Eileen Lake” catches you off guard with folk warmth. “Adelaide” might be the best track, built on a lovely piano line with vocals that cut through cleanly. No hiding behind effects here.
The title track closes things out with the reflection the album’s been working toward. The core idea of finding hope in a fractured world could tip into despair easily, but Vinyl Floor stays honest about it. They’re not offering false comfort, but they’re not drowning either.
Progressive rock this restrained is rare. The arrangements serve the songs instead of overshadowing them. If anything, some moments could use more breathing room, but that’s small in a record made by people who clearly care about what they’re saying.
This is for anyone who wants rock that actually wrestles with real ideas. It counts for something.
You can listen here.
