Words Hazel Blacher
Photo Dani Bolton
Bristol’s LICE have never shied away from embroiling their output in a deeply considered complexity; often informed by literary or avant-garde compositional processes, their artistic approach has spanned Burroughian threaded Futurist experimentalism to themes of the Industrial Revolution, marrying a slew of genres ranging from post-industrial, minimalism, rock and techno. Returning as fresh signees to the leftfield cult label AD 93, the 4-piece recently unveiled the final single ‘Fatigued, Confused’ from ‘Third Time At The Beach’, the anticipated follow up record to their much lauded 2021 debut.
A meticulously constructed conceptual epic comprising of three distinct ‘movements’, the record thematically follows a mortal’s journey from birth (movement 1) through to its subsequent frustrations born out of the pervading cultural and ideological limitations of its society (movement 2) and finally, to its newly discovered sense of understanding and agency (movement 3). ‘Fatigued, Confused’ leads the third movement, which the band describe as the point at which “‘the individual embraces a new understanding of the world”, whilst also thematically touching on their own struggles creating this record and the difficulties that they have faced “expressing complicated ideas in music” rendering them “mentally fried”.
A collage of bumbling rhythms smeared with a slackened, acid-wash attitude, ‘Fatigued, Confused’ tumbles about like a centipede, each section hefted forth by the last in a loose, satisfying clomp of shifting elements. Assembling lead singer Alastair Shuttleworth’s bold sprechgesang atop a nostalgic, cocksure guitar solo fit for a sweaty Patrick Swayze movie, the track evolves at every turn; clamouring choruses of voices whirl over gravelly time signature shifts, solo synth legatos waft away rhythmic tensions with a captivating warmth and dynamic ascension. Here, LICE once again remain bold and unafraid, showcasing yet another facet of their artistry and ambition.
TOUR DATES:
Friday 18 October - Bristol, Strange Brew
Saturday 19 October - Falmouth, Fives
Monday 21 October - Birmingham, Hare & Hounds 2
Tuesday 22 October - Glasgow, Hug & Pint
Wednesday 23 October - Manchester, The Castle
Thursday 24 October - London, Corsica Studios
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