Today we have the pleasure of introducing you to a UK band who has gone through a bit of a reformation, not surprising given that they launched their foray into the musical scene decades ago. Now known as Vernons Future, the band formed in Liverpool in the 1980s as The Vernons, having released their debut album ‘Smithdown Road’ in 1990 via Probe Plus. Back then, authoritative UK music magazine Melody Maker noted this is “a fine debut…in love with pop at its most unassuming and most charming”.
Soon enough, the band will be releasing their sophomore album ‘Aquaplaning’ and here, we present you the lead track from this long-player. Timely, topical and appropriately called ‘Call To Arms’, this may be the band’s most overtly political song and it’s a matter of concern to everybody as it is an appeal-in-song to do something to save the planet. While obviously about a theme that is actually quite worrisome, the band package this up nicely in a rock anthem (think ’69 Guns’ by The Alarm) that will get your blood flowing and delight your ear buds.
This is the first of 10 tracks Vernons Future gift us now in 2022, having reformed as Vernons Future in 2015, involving the band’s original members Simon Burchill, Andy Harding, Jon Fiber and Tom Le Bas, along with Burchill’s lifelong friend Simon ‘Hoops’ Hooper. ‘Aquaplaning’ is essentially a compilation of the band’s singles from late 2019 onward, plus two new songs. Now split between Oxford and London, the band’s music puts a distinctive twist on the poppier end of the indie spectrum.
‘Call To Arms’ is an ambitious and enthralling offering, brushed with sonic elements of The Adventures, The Alarm, XTC and Teardrop Explodes, and call to mind newer this-era bands like Australia’s The Silverbeets. A perfect collision of pop and rock, the band conveys beguiling charm, groove and melody, along with accessible sonics, sure to appeal to a broad audience.
Frontman Simon Burchill says, “It’s a challenge to all of us to open our eyes to the climate emergency, to join together to drive meaningful change to save the planet.”
Guitarist Andy Harding adds, “When we started playing together again in 2015, we weren’t sure if we would get to play gigs or release any music, so the last seven years have been a majorly fun surprise! We absolutely love playing live, and are lucky enough to be playing more gigs now. It’s quite amazing to be able to release our songs too. When we first played together back in the 80’s, streaming (and the internet!) wasn’t a thing. Our first album came out on vinyl and cassette, but was too early for CDs. So we’re buzzing to release our new album on CD.”
Come September 14, music lovers can find ‘Call To Arms’ via Bandcamp at https://vernonsfuture.bandcamp.com/album/aquaplaning, where the full ‘Aquaplaning’ LP can already be pre-ordered on CD or as a digital download. The full ‘Aquaplaning’ album will be released on October 7. The band will also be playing a handful of concerts in September and October to celebrate the album’s release.
CREDITS
Simon Burchill – vocals, guitar
Jon Fiber – keyboards, vocals
Andy Harding – guitar
Simon ‘Hoops’ Hooper – bass
Tom Le Bas – drums
Recorded by Vernons Future at their studios in London and Oxfordshire
Mastered by Jon Fiber
Lyrics by Simon Burchill, except for ‘B Movie’ and ‘Seek Shelter Now’ (lyrics by Andy Harding)
Music by Vernons Future (Simon Burchill, Jon Fiber, Andy Harding, Simon Hooper, Tom Le Bas)
Single cover imagery by Alex Conchillos and Pixabay
Album cover by Andy Harding
LIVE SHOWS
Sept. 23 – LONDON (SHOREDITCH) – Hoxton Underbelly
Oct. 22 – LONDON (CAMDEN) – Fiddler’s Elbow’
Oct. 29 – BELFAST – Pavilion Bar – Ormeau Road
Follow, support and fan out over Vernons Future
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