Hailing from Cardiff, The Vanities are an exciting electro-rock duo formed by Rhys Bradley and Adam Hill, known for their blend of guitar-driven melodies and synth-infused rhythms. Their breakout moment came with the success of their debut album 2001 three years ago which featured critically acclaimed singles “London” and “Private Army” as well as “This Ain’t Love” and its remix by Jean Jacques Smoothie.
Over the years, The Vanities have enjoyed extensive radio support and guest appearances with 80s icons Tony Hadley and Peter Cox on their sell-out tours. Now they bring us a preview of their upcoming single titled “Just Passing Thru” paired with a remix by South Wales-based producer Jammy.
Linking up with the award winning country artist Bob Fitzgerald, on their new single, The Vanities cast a smokey country outing full of timeless songwriting, gospel style backing vocals and a joyous soul-tinged arrangement. Brought in by the delicate twang of slide guitar as gentle percussion and warm piano chords are met by the bright vocal stretches of the choir, Bob Fitzgerald’s rich vocals glide above to deliver poignant lyricism about love, loss and seizing the day.
The soft taps of cymbals and pulse of bass guitar carries the subtle rhythm as the lead vocals combine beautifully with the dazzling performance of The Epoch House Gospel Choir. Building the energy with snapping drums and the lively bounce of piano, the song takes flight to inject an uptempo backing for the stunning melodic hooks, resulting in a slice of magical music that’s entirely enduring and thoroughly charming.
With the remix of the single, Jammy filters the elegant songwriting, alluring vocals and graceful instrumentation through a rock-inflected sonic lens to deliver an energising twist on the song. Wrapping the guitars in gritty tones and amplifying the pulsing rhythm throughout, “Just Passing Thru (Jammy Remix)” offers a superb interpretation of the song to provide the perfect pairing for the lead single.
With the official release date for the single set for the 19th of April, The Vanities will be celebrating the release with an intimate live performance at Tiny Rebel in Cardiff that day, joined by special guests Mr Bewlay, Kaysha Louvain and Ophelia’s Beard. The following day, the band will be heading to Llanelli for an instore performance at record store The Second 45 as well as opening for Britpop icons The Bluetones later that day at Pontardawe Arts Centre.
Listen to Just Passing Thru below
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