Indie Pop from Don’t Look Now

Coming out of Windsor in the UK, Don’t Look Now have spent the last twenty-five years building a discography unlike any other. Formed by singer-songwriter and guitarist Martin Montague, the band began life as an acoustic rock and folk-leaning project, an origin that can still be traced back to their first album Watching the World Go By. With the arrival of saxophonist Ian Thomson, whose jazz-influenced playing introduced a new level of complexity, the band’s sound expanded into new musical spheres.

Trying to pin it down now feels beside the point, their music moves freely between rock n’ roll, pop, soul, funk and reggae, where songs seems to decide their own direction, informed by whatever style best suits the story being told. Their songs are driven by a curiosity about the everyday, the absurd and the overlooked; one track might explore selling used cars, another might dive into tabloid journalism, while elsewhere they turn their attention to artificial intelligence, holiday romance or the specifics of a pair of glasses associated with John Lennon.

Bringing their songwriting to a live setting, Don’t Look Now have proven that their sound translates just as emphatically on stage. Performances at venues including the Theatre Royal Windsor, the Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground and even the grounds of Kensington Palace have shown their ability to engage a wide range of audiences.

Instilled with a lighthearted sense of humour, their tone shifts between playful and observant, often landing somewhere in between. Even when they approach more familiar themes, like relationships in “Second Time Around,” the perspective feels truly unique. Inspired by Martin’s own experience in Ibiza, the track captures a story of holiday romance, which was originally presented back in 2003 as the lead single from their debut record, Like They Do It in the Films.

Recorded at The Dream of Ozwald Studios and produced by Keith James, the song has remained their most streamed release, a reminder of the band’s ability to connect while still doing things their own way. Jumping straight into a buoyant rock-tinged indie pop scene, the track launches with an uplifting saxophone-led intro as punchy drums and jangly guitars form an inviting arrangement. Flowing with charming vocal leads carrying heartfelt lyricism, the song crafts a delightful musical experience brimming with alluring vocal layers, energising rhythm and intricate instrumental flourishes.

With picture painting lyrics delivered via instantly memorable melodies, “Second Time Around” offers a stunning musical moment that’s stood the test of time. Having remained a fan favourite for over two decades, the single puts the band’s enduring songwriting and performance talent on full display. Having continued to go from strength to strength after all this time, the band shows no signs of slowing down having shared their recent album Elephant in the Room earlier this year and they’ll no doubt keep shining brightly for years to come.

Listen to Second Time Around below

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