Welsh electro-rock duo The Vanities are set to release their new single “Private Army” on March 31st, following their critically acclaimed album “2001” released in 2021 which broke the band’s decade long hiatus. The lead single from the album, “London”, was widely praised and enjoyed heavy rotation on BBC Radio Wales, leading to the band supporting Tony Hadley on his 40th anniversary tour in 2022.
“Private Army” marks a notable shift from The Vanities’ signature 80s sound, taking on an epic orchestral arrangement that delivers a haunting lament on the folly of humankind in the new era of war in Europe. The song highlights the band’s ability to deliver a powerful message through captivating storytelling and well-crafted lyrics.
The track’s opening moments set the tone for what is to come, with the cinematic orchestration sweeping in, evoking a sense of grandeur and impending melancholy. Rhys Bradley’s haunting and emotional vocal delivery is accompanied by Adam Hill’s bass guitar, providing the perfect foundation for the soaring strings and epic percussion. The chorus is a standout moment, with the vocals delivered with an urgent and anguished intensity.
The Vanities’ ability to craft a memorable and emotive melody is once again evident in “Private Army”. The song builds to a powerful climax, with the layered instrumentation and emotive vocals coming together to deliver a spine-tingling moment of musical grandeur. The song’s outro is just as powerful, with the orchestration slowly fading away, leaving behind a sense of sadness and despair.
The track is a clear departure from the band’s previous work, but it is also a testament to their versatility and willingness to take risks. The song manages to stay true to their unique sound while incorporating new elements and exploring new territory. “Private Army” is a bold statement from The Vanities, and it will undoubtedly leave fans excited to see where the band goes next.
In support of the release, The Vanities will be playing a small number of select “unplugged” shows, including two dates with Peter Cox of 80s icons Go West. With their captivating live performances and undeniable talent for crafting powerful and emotive music, The Vanities are a band to watch in 2023.
“Private Army” captures the very best of The Vanities’ dazzling indie rock sound. The haunting orchestration, emotional vocal delivery, and poignant lyrics make this track a powerful and memorable addition to their discography. The song’s themes of war and humanity’s folly are particularly timely and resonate strongly with listeners.
With their upcoming “unplugged” shows and collaborations with Peter Cox, The Vanities are set to continue their upward trajectory and cement their status as one of the UK’s most exciting electro-rock duos. “Private Army” is a must-listen for fans of indie rock and anyone looking for music that speaks to the human condition.
Ahead of the single’s release, the band brings us the new music video for “Private Army” directed by Chris Summerill which cuts together monochrome shots of the band performing the song with scenes of devastation and destruction from the result of war to reflect the moving sentiments of the music.
Watch the music video for Private Army below
More from Music
Frannie B drops new single “Echo”
Based in Oxford, Frannie B has been making an impact in the UK music scene with a pop-focused sound that …
Brand new single from Nick Norton-Smith
London-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Norton-Smith has built a decorated career across an unusually diverse musical landscape, moving between film, …
New full-length record from Divergent
While some musical ambitions take a little longer to find their moment, the journey for Iowa-based trio Divergent has been …
