Without making this seem too much like a diary entry, I want to set a scene. I’ve been married for a year now, having waited 12 months for us to embark on our honeymoon, to ensure we could celebrate the first of many whilst away.
Now, you can rely on several certainties in this life. The sun sets. The kettle boils. And apparently, if I go away for nearly two weeks, one of my favourite bands will release their first music in over three years.
I wouldn’t say I put the phone down and unplugged completely whilst sipping on cocktail after cocktail beside the pool, but I’ve definitely not been giving the world of new music releases my full attention.
Now, however, somewhere between unpacking suitcases and returning to the mundanity of 9-5 life ‘Killing Me Sarah’ has creeped in to soundtrack these moments. Reminding me that whilst I was making new memories, Trampolene were busy forging a new piece of their own legacy.
‘Killing Me Sarah’ is the start of a new chapter in the life of the Swansea band. Lee Thomas, brother of bassist Wayne, has joined the ranks since their last release, and this is the first time we get to hear the sound with this new piece in the guitar puzzle.
The rest of the band remains unchanged, with Jack Jones leading them with a renewed sense of freedom now that Thomas pulls rank on guitar. Kyle Williams continues on bass.
Released on Strap Originals (Peter Doherty), the quartet’s sound seems to have divulged in this new era. The opening guitars are scratchy and distorted. The familiar rough-around-the-edges feel we’re used to, but with an added load of grit.
Trampolene have a knack of finding romance in a sea of mess, of seeking poetic wanderings buried in noise and a glimpse of danger lingering beneath melody. This new era feels like an evolution of the foundations they’ve previously laid for themselves.
Jones’s vocals sound somehow more distinguished, more honed. He’s admitted the song was born out of an adoration and love for comedian Sandro Ford’s Instagram posts, depicting Welsh drinking culture with humour, and Jones wanted to bottle some of that feeling into a song.
Wayne Thomas supplies the new hit with a bouncy, fluid bassline that pairs nicely alongside Williams’ ever-crashing drums.
Written on the train from Manchester to Swansea, Jones recalled how the song quickly fell into place and came about towards the end of the writing and recording session for their upcoming album.
The Welsh quartet have relentlessly toured and gigged this year, whether that be headline shows or support slots for bands like Inspiral Carpets, Public Image Ltd. and Ocean Colour Scene.
Although not officially announced, Trampolene have been quietly working behind the scenes on new music and a new album. The cogs are turning and the wheels are in motion, but there’s no been no official word from Trampolene or Strap Originals on what comes next.
Perhaps that’s all the more reason to get behind Trampolene now. A new song, a new chapter and a new band member.
Just tread carefully. If you’ve got momentous moments coming up in your life, Trampolene might take it as a cue to change direction too.
Written by Brad Halcrow for The Songbird HQ