Fans of The Strokes and Fontaines DC will find a lot to love in Exiles. They might be at the forefront of the next indie rock revival with their unique style of artful indie music. Their debut album, “Waiting For Romance,” is an exciting introduction to their sound. With eight tracks, the album is long enough to build anticipation while being concise enough to leave listeners wanting more. Let’s delve into the details.

Exiles bring a super energetic mix of Britain’s raw post-punk vibe and the rebellious feel of 70s rock ‘n’ roll, grabbing your attention with their high-energy sound. Each song dives into a mix of feelings, packed with catchy riffs and driving drum beats that pull you into their music. The lead singer shares stories about past relationships, touching on regrets, drama, fun times, and tough breakups, while the guitars add a light, dreamy quality that wraps around you, creating a chill atmosphere that enhances the whole experience.

The vocal range is truly exquisite, with songs that soar to breathtaking heights and plunge into hauntingly beautiful lows. Lyrically wise, the album is not only captivating but also stimulates deep thought and evokes strong emotions. It unfolds like a mesmerizing journey, where each track weaves seamlessly into a rich soundscape while still shining with its own distinctive character and charm.

From the opener ‘I’ll Try,’ the album feels alive. It has a heart; it beats and it feels like it’s being created right for you. The tracks feel earnest, the intention seems wholesome, and this album is just laced with a good-time vibe. In the introduction and verses, the guitars don’t overpower the sound; instead, they serve as subtle accents that enhance the overall flavor of the track.

The theme of ‘waiting’ resonates deeply throughout the album, painting a vivid picture of the Exiles boys’ growing impatience. In track 3, ‘Waiting For You,’ listeners can feel the tension as the band expresses a mix of hesitant patience and underlying frustration. The instrumentation complements the lyrics, creating an atmosphere that captures the struggle of longing and the emotional weight of anticipation.

By the time we arrive at track 7, titled ‘Ceiling,’ the sentiment has shifted dramatically. The urgency in the vocals makes it clear that any remaining patience has all but vanished. The powerful refrain, “I ain’t waiting no more, the time is here, the time is now,” resonates with an assertive declaration, leaving listeners with a powerful sense of urgency and resolve that lingers in their minds long after the song has ended. This progression from waiting to immediate action encapsulates the overarching emotional journey of the album.

Track 4, ‘Rinse, Repeat,’ explores the frustrations of monotony. It serves as Exiles’ equivalent of The Strokes’ “Is This It,” featuring a laid-back and indifferent style. This track offers a moment of calm elegance before the energy ramps up again with ‘Out Of Reach.’ Here, the lyrics reflect a significant moment of transformation with the declaration, “I’m a new man.” This is quickly followed by the confidence of ‘Star,’ which brings to mind Oasis’s “Rock n Roll Star.” In this instance, the inquiry isn’t if they will attain success, but rather when it will occur.

It feels almost like I’ve known these melodies my entire life. They snugly fit into my ears, reminiscent of old treasures I’ve uncovered. There’s a nostalgic quality for a time I was never invited to share, and while it’s an unusual feeling, it makes these tracks incredibly enjoyable to listen to. The vocals are powerful; the album is so fun and wholesome that it feels like it has always been a part of my life.

They are worth every second you spend on them. Like…damn. Do the world a favor and let others discover the magic within this piece!

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Still can't tell exactly my origins because of my suspiciously ‘Chinese eyes’.