JW Paris always had the reputation of a band that is constantly evolving. Experiments with sound, image changes, looking for new ways to express themselves made them one of the most exciting groups on the independent circuit in London. Their newest incarnation is darker, more philosophical, and inwards looking. The song is called “Alive” and announces the arrival of their second EP that will be published early next year.
“Alive” single cover
“Alive” comes out barely a month and a half after their previous single “You’ve Got Me” that was probably the biggest success in the band’s history. It was played on Radio X, 4 times on BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 6, won the trio their first AUDITION programme on Amazing Radio and ended up on their official main playlist. With 25k streams on Spotify and at least several hundred plays on independent radio stations, the song proved equally popular with audience and the critics. Can “Alive” fare any better?
Despite the band’s easily recognizable dual vocals and dirty harmonies, “Alive” feels faster and lighter than the previous release. It’s always hard to compare two songs that were released so close to each other and will eventually end up on the same release. Yes, they are similar in tone yet “Alive” reminds me of a younger and more outgoing sibling to more serious and introverted “You’ve Got Me”.
The guitars are a bit jazzy in “Alive”, the rhythm is poppy and the whole track has a slightly jovial sound to it. If “You’ve Got Me” had hard kicking drums and guitars that could nail you down to the floor, “Alive” offers more air and space to breath. It’s still way darker and grungier than any previous singles put together, but it is more user friendly. And radio friendly too. I absolutely love the chorus with ultra-fast passages and distorted chants in the background. The ohs and ahs sounds like they are coming out from the bottom of a barrel, but they are incredibly irresistible.
JW Paris picture by C24 Photography
JW Paris have a real talent for writing songs that have a deep meaning, very catchy riffs and melodies suited for the Radio 1. This is exactly the case with “Alive”. The track has a deep, nearly philosophical message that is wrapped in a dirty, neo-Brit Pop/grungy clothes and is still able to install itself inside your head for hours. I always find myself humming their tracks under my breath while doing various odds and ends kinds of jobs around the house or running errands without even paying attention to what I’m doing. This duality might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it works perfectly fine for me. While preparing for this review, I took a look at what other writers thought and it seems that at least a couple of people would prefer if the song was more “monumental” and “anthemic” instead of being an earworm bordering on the TOTP. I’m a bit surprised that certain indie writers have such a strong allergy towards pop(ular) music and often whish that the songs they write about were more technical. Compositions with multiple layered passages, tempo changes and odd time signatures typical for math rock or progressive rock may indeed be fascinating to review but they rarely are popular with crowd frequenting dive bars or grassroot venues. In my opinion, the ability to merge memorable beats with grunge aesthetic is not a crime. I absolutely love tracks you can sing along to upon hearing them the first time that also have a proper kick-ass quality to them. JW Paris are masters at crafting such repertoire and nobody should complain that they do it. Frankly, we need more pop infused rock songs on the airwaves that have some serious thoughts behind them. I don’t know about you, but silly or completely nonsensical lyric are the absolute killer of pop.
So, if you are not easily spooked by rock-grunge ideas, “Alive” should be very much up your musical street. Intelligent lyrics, catchy melody and a bit of dirty should get your feet moving. Perfect tune for the December dance parties. Highly recommended.
You can find the band online at:
www.facebook.com/jwparismusic
www.instagram.com/jwparismusic
www.twitter.com/jwparismusic
www.youtube.com/c/jwparis
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Eh8L6V40D5B70XCOucwE3
tiktok.com/@jwparismusic
https://www.threads.net/@jwparismusic
“Alive” is out independently on Blaggers Records.
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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