Herds releases new album

From the ashes of Nottingham-based band The Amber Herd rises Herds, a genre-blending rock outfit that mixes elements of indie, psychedelic and prog rock into an intoxicating new sound. With a decade of experience in recording and performing at notable festivals and venues, including High Voltage, Bearded Theory and HRH Prog, Herds have developed their musical output and expanded their sonic horizons. In the wake of a tumultuous period marked by a global pandemic, Herds emerge as a vibrant and exciting collective.

Last year, the band underwent a name change and a shuffle in personnel. Now, they present their sophomore full-length record titled Falling wide awake, featuring eight tracks that capture the latest chapter of their journey.

The album opens with “Innsbruck,” a sonic rollercoaster that immediately throws listeners into Herds’ distinctive sound. It starts with an unsettling blend of wailing guitar feedback, chokes and intense distortion, creating an eerie atmosphere. With the strike of drums, they introduce a brighter rock soundscape led by jangly and gritty guitar chords and driven by a laid-back yet intricate rhythm section.

As the arrangement develops, gentle vocals enter, delivering catchy leads over stretching organ tones and intricate guitar flourishes. Clocking in at eight minutes, “Innsbruck” is a memorable and timeless indie rock anthem that captures the grandiosity of prog rock while infusing elements of psychedelia into its instrumentation.

“Station of the cross” follows, kicking off with lively acoustic guitar strums that set an energising tone. A bouncy beat and pulsing bass plucks join the mix, creating an upbeat indie jam filled with breezy vocal melodies and instrumental shifts. The track takes a surprising turn halfway through, transitioning into an atmospheric rock crescendo filled with fuzzy tones. It then gracefully floats down into an ambient outro formed by ethereal sonic textures and balletic vocal whispers.

“Half light” slows the pace and showcases Herds’ graceful songwriting panache. The song unfolds with soft acoustic guitars and haunting vocal leads, gradually building into an immersive sonic tapestry. The addition of mellow drums raises the song’s impact, resulting in a constantly shifting musical journey.

Other highlights from the album include “Just the rain,” a catchy indie bop filled with light guitar tones, shuffling drums and grooving bass lines. The band caps the song with dynamic vocal leads, creating an uplifting sound. “New Year” embarks on a captivating bluesy adventure, starting with a laid-back energy of shimmering chords, soft guitar leads and subdued vocal melodies. The song’s impressive 15-minute duration allows it to evolve into an expansive soundscape, threading in electronic elements that highlight the band’s prog rock inspiration and epic songwriting vision.

The album closes with “Avalanche,” a spirited indie rock track infused with psychedelic aesthetics. Impassioned vocal leads drape over buoyant, flangey guitar rhythms, bustling drums and smooth bass lines, delivering a sensational finale to this superb album.

In celebration of the album’s launch, Herds are set to play a special launch show tonight at the Liquid Light Craft Brewery in Sneinton, Nottingham, followed by an appearance at HRH Prog XII in Great Yarmouth on Saturday, November 11th.

Listen to Falling wide awake below