Brighton four-piece Congratulations are starting the year with a bang with the release of their track ‘Nevagonna’, a single taken from the debut album ‘Join Hands’ released last month. After signing to local label Bella Union, they haven't taken time to rest, releasing one of the most exciting and fun albums so far this year. 

Opening track ‘Nevagonna’ is a firework of genre bending chaos. The song opens with a repetitive synth sound, encased in the beautiful vocals of front woman Leah Stanhope. The standout line “I’m waiting for someone I can harmonize” falls into an expressive riff, deceiving listeners into believing they have stumbled upon a traditional love song. However, the song quickly erupts into a robotic dance anthem,  destroying any remaining notions of sappy love songs. 

The track finds itself slotting into the electronic inspired moment music is currently going through. ‘Nevagonna’ has elements similar to those of London band Jockstrap’s music, yet it sets itself apart completely. The intertwining of the opening's slower section, perfectly showcasing Stanhope’s vocals breaking into robotic pop, turning the track around completely into a dance anthem. 

‘Nevagonna’ sets up ‘Join Hands’ in the best way. There is no easing into this album; it comes at you full force and makes for a truly powerful piece of work.  

Erin Buckman

@renbuckman  

Image: 'Join Hands' Official Album Cover