Indie Rock Pop from CMON CMON

Hailing from Brussels, the trio known as CMON CMON have built their musical vision around a style of indie rock meets power pop that intricately balances on the tension between bright melodies and driving rock arrangements. Formed by longtime friends Jorrit Hermans, Steven Omblets and Michel Becx, the band’s story began during their teenage years, when the three first played together, before life took them in different directions. Their eventual reunion came without grand expectations, allowing a shared creative sphere to form organically. That new sense of freedom has since become central to a sound that combines emotional songwriting with anthemic energy.

CMON CMON officially introduced their latest musical chapter in July 2022 with debut single “The Summers We Missed” and from there, a steady run of releases built towards their debut album, The Crack And The Light, which arrived the following year. Produced by Grammy-nominated Alex Newport, the record earned widespread critical praise and secured a place on The Sunday Times’ Best Albums of the Year list. Radio support and a successful UK tour helped expand their audience beyond Belgium, bringing their energetic performances to an increasingly international crowd.

For a band whose creative relationship stretches back to their teenage years, there’s a readily apparent chemistry behind CMON CMON’s sound. Their music draws on the appeal of classic songwriting while retaining enough grit to stop its melodic aesthetic from becoming overly shiny. Pop hooks meet rock rhythms, with harmonies and expansive arrangements giving the songs a sense of scale. It’s a formula that’s continued to define their output, whether on the acclaimed debut album or the more recent Headwind EP, which featured the radio hits “All The Other Kids” and “Turn Off The Lights.”

Now, CMON CMON return with “New England In Fall,” a new single that marks the beginning of another chapter for the trio. The track is the first of four new songs planned for release over the next couple of years, suggesting a longer creative arc as opposed to than a one-off return. Once again, the band has linked up with British producer James Brown, continuing a working relationship that allows their melodic songwriting and power pop dynamics to collide in spectacular fashion. The song brings together the elements that have shaped the band’s sound so far, with memorable melodies, warm harmonies, captivating lyrics and rock-driven momentum.

CMON CMON have gradually developed a knack for balancing radio-friendly ton with a rougher edge, giving their songs an energy that extends beyond their hooks. The recording itself took place in spring, when the band and their production team spent a week at GAM Studios in La Chapelle, Waimes, tucked away in Belgium’s Hautes Fagnes nature reserve. The secluded setting provided the backdrop for the sessions, which took place only months before a devastating wildfire destroyed the reserve. That timing gives the recording period a particular place in the band’s story, connecting the creation of the track to a landscape that would soon undergo a dramatic change.

Brought in by the punch of drums, stacks of lightly gritty guitars form a grooving rhythm dashed with delicate melodic flickers before smooth vocal leads enter with storytelling lyrics, leaning into an instantly catchy indie rock sound. Gliding with lively rhythmic sway and memorable melodic leads, the ebb and flow of the arrangement keeps the song in a state of constant motion while dashes of bright guitar notes dance atop rustling drums. It’s a stunning showcase of the band’s widely engaging songwriting and utterly charming performance flair, resulting in another anthemic outing from a band that continues to operate at the very highest level.

With further singles planned in the coming months and years, CMON CMON are continuing to build on the momentum mapped out by their debut album and subsequent releases. “New England In Fall” offers another window into a trio still exploring the possibilities of a sound informed by friendship, unique creativity and a knack for understanding of what makes a great pop rock song connect.

Listen to New England In Fall below

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