It’s been one hell of a year for Apollo Junction.
After a decade or so of building momentum through countless gigs (some considerably bigger than others), releasing two critically acclaimed albums and amassing a small army of loyal followers, maybe, just maybe, it’s time to break into the charts with album number three. It’s called Here We Are and, frankly, it is a BEAUTY. With several limited edition, funkily packaged versions, including a collab with Blood Records which sold out within 45 minutes, and a chart push CD at a fiver, this is a band who are not just in their ascendency but want to give their fans the most beautiful and memorable experience possible while they rise to new heights.
This is a band who unquestionably put their fans centre-stage. They may have received national radio play, soundtracked Match of the Day and sold out some sizeable venues, but they remain as interactive with their audience as ever and show absolutely no sign of disappearing up their own backsides – not that anyone around them would ever allow that to happen.
Pic by Neil Hargreaves. I've never seen York so quiet...
Opening with recent single By the River, Here We Are gets off to a typically anthemic start, in this case a breezy, ‘90s movie vibe with swirling synth and a characteristic AJ singalong chorus. There’s no gentle intro track here - the lads mean business. They’re three albums deep now, with a chart position tantalisingly close, and they’re giving it their all. Its wall-to-wall anthems at this point.
Endings carries on the arms-aloft, holler-along theme and ramps up the bass, adds in some hefty backing vocals on the chorus and lobs a catchy melody behind the whole thing. Don’t peak too early flinging yourself around to this one, though - it’s time for something magic. Literally.
One of my favourite ever AJ tracks, Magic is going to light up any future gig it’s played at with its sparkling melodies and soaring vocals. It’s an instant classic with its killer riffs and atmospheric tone. Recent release Mi1lion follows, offeringsomething a bit different - though still with the catchy rhythms and some cracking synth from Sam (I do love how much more prevalent the keys are on this album). This is a direct message to the fans and comes complete with a video showcasing their memorable moments.
Now, Breathe Out. I don’t know about you, but my favourite track changes fairly often. This one is my current obsession and has been ever since I heard it. It hooks you instantly, heavy on the rhythm section (my love of bass is well known,and Ben delivers THE most perfect basslines) and complete with powerful lyrics that hit hard and won’t leave your brain for yonks. I already know there will be a tear in my eye every time I hear this live.
Perfect Plan doesn’t let up on the musical tidal wave we’re currently riding, with a heavier vibe, moodier guitars and a tinge of glam rock. The frenetic beats of Outside provide a bicep-flexing workout for drummer Jonny as well as delivering an encouraging message to pick up anyone who needs a little lift. Next up is Wasting Time, a storming rocker of a track sounding like a mashup between Oasis and Status Quo. Sounds mad - works brilliantly. I have a feeling guitarist Matt had a lot of fun with this one!
Title track Here We Are is to this third album what Are You Happy? was to previous album All In. We’ve had a swaggering romp through synth-pop-rock-indie-alt land and it’s time to get the phone torches out for the last couple of heartfelt songs (RIP lighters, but nobody smokes any more and vapes don’t have quite the same effect). It’s nearly the end of this journey and it’s gone far too quickly. Don’t forget we’ve got a reason to live, the band implore, acknowledging the dark times as they have done throughout the preceding tracks, but lifting up those who need it and showing them hope is still there and dreams can still be followed. Leading perfectly into the utterly beautiful History, with its dreamy guitar and intense lyrics, it builds spectacularly into something Embrace would have been proud of in their Good Will Out era.
Here We Are is a triumph. More diverse, mature and accomplished than anything before, Apollo Junction have grown into their trademark sound and pushed the boundaries to give their loyal fans – and growing army of new listeners – something different whilst remaining the ‘five lads from Leeds’ they love so much. It’s a connection the band treasure, as singer Jamie explains; “We are nothing without the people who support us; the team around us and the AJ family. This collection of songs is for the moments that we’re looking to share.”
There will undoubtedly be more moments to share this week – yesterday (23rd) Here We Are entered the midweek Official UK Charts at number 33, after hopes of it making the Top 75. There are two days left to push sales and keep the lads up there, fighting off competition from big-budget artists and bringing the dream to life. I have at least a dozen copies across various special editions and have started randomly ordering them for people I know will love their music. Fancy joining the party? Links are below. You can also see them on tour, but you’d better secure the last of the tickets quickly because they will sell out, and soon.
I write about Apollo Junction a lot – almost exclusively for years now. Reviews of other bands are coming, including Deco later this week in Bristol, but I have felt something special about these five lads from Leeds for years now. They deserve their breakthrough, and they are perfectly placed to achieve it. As they say in Endings, “Give it all you’ve got for tomorrow.”
Couldn’t put it better myself.
Pic, Justin Leeming. Coats, models' own
Buy the album in various formats here https://linktr.ee/apollojunctionband
In fact, buy them all. Go on, go on, go on…
Tour
SAT 28 OCT / BLACKPOOL / BOOTLEG SOCIAL Specialguests: Vivas
SAT 4 NOV / GLASGOW / BROADCAST Special guests: Last Sober Days, Hazy Sundays
FRI 10 NOV / LIVERPOOL / ART CLUB Special guests: Headfeeder, Modern Marriage
SAT 11 NOV / MANCHESTER / GULLIVERS Special guests: Vivas SOLD OUT
FRI 1 DEC / SHEFFIELD / SIDNEY & MATILDA Special guests: Caleb Francis, Cloud Caravan SOLD OUT
SAT 2 DEC / LEEDS / THE BRUDENELL Special guests: The Mercians SOLD OUT
FRI 8 DEC / NOTTINGHAM / THE BODEGA Special guests: Black Cats + Magpies, Bee-Sides
SAT 9 DEC / CARDIFF / CLWB IFOR BACH Special guests: Laura Misch
Tickets: www.apollojunction.com/tour
Here We Are was produced by Andy Hawkins and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis, with artwork designed by Matt Lodge. Released on Shed Load Records (big up Mick Carter). Management courtesy of the indomitable Neil Hargreaves at Aggressive.
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