During this time of enforced isolation, it’s easy to lose one’s sense of self. Reflection can be vital, but it’s easy to become alienated when social situations are no longer viable and reasons to leave the house are increasingly limited. It’s an apt time for Lincoln trio Concrete Ships to explore and dissect themes of dutiful bodies, floating uncontrollably and self-estrangement. The band’s upcoming album, In Observance, takes a deep look inside on an existential level at perhaps the most apt time in history to be doing so, even if the band did begin recording right before the pandemic began to take hold in the UK.
The first track from the release, ‘Flotilla’, is out now and today we’re proud to bring you the accompanying music video. The track gives an introduction to the sound and atmosphere of the release, with a churning rhythm that turns repetition into something uncomfortably eerie as the band’s noise rock core becomes infected by bouts of targeted psychedelia. “This is our hard rock anthem”, exclaim the band. Speaking of its origins, bassist and vocalist Chris Thompson explains, “It was written at a time when I didn’t really know what was going on in my life, I felt like I was floating along, but it was okay because I knew would end up somewhere.”
Recorded in a 13th Century Lincolnshire castle, In Observance grips your attention and refuses to let go. To be honest, you probably won’t want it to. Check out the video below and head to Bandcamp for pre-orders, which are live as of today.
In Observance drops 26th March on Trepanation Recordings. Pre-order here.
Words: George Parr
