The UK’s Bitter Kisses continue to show their diversity with their 3rd single, “Downtime”.
The quartet has said this on on the inspiration behind the song,
‘Downtime’ rages at the pace of modern life and the disappearing divide between people and machines. We are left on autopilot biding our time until we shut down.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Tom Cory (Novatines, Superlove) at Romesh Dodangoda’s Longwave Studios, “Downtown” follows its predecessors “Pr*y” and “Doctor’s Note” with infectious choruses and energy.
Where “Downtown” strays from previous two singles, is that it has a poppier intro, and I use the word poppier loosely as it’s more of a pop-rock via Paramore intro. That pop ends at the thirty second mark and from there Bitter Kisses explodes into a rock band.
Their slogan might be ‘pop music you can beat your friends up to’ but honestly, that betrays the band’s sound. They have pop elements, but they are fully grounded in the rock world and “Downtown” clearly shows this with its music.
Thomas and Scarlett once again provide rumbling and thundering bass and drums. Their foundation provides Josh the space to lay down soaring guitar riffs that are not only slick but that are also sticky and infectious.
Vocally, Gemma has always given pristine and clear vocals, but with “Downtown” there’s growth and depth in her voice that has not been previously heard. I dare say, “Downtown” is some of Gemma’s best vocal work.
But it’s Thomas that steals the spotlight at the 2:21 mark with a bass riff that absolutely steals one’s soul. It reverberates and echoes with a decadent low end that is lush and beautiful.
As “Downtown” crescendo towards its end, the quartet unite to bring it all home with bright choruses, heavy drums, searing guitars, and booming bass.
With “Downtime”, Bitter Kisses has not only released their fierce, furious, and feral side, they have demonstrated they are a rock band to be reckoned with.
Listen to “Downtime” on Spotify
