Bleech 9:3 Introduce Their New Direction In Latest Single

If there’s a band that’s on everyone's mind currently, it’s none other than the Irish alt-grunge band Bleech 9:3. With the announcement of their debut album and a third UK headline tour to accompany it, the band simply aren’t stopping now that their path to success is clear and right in front of them, gaining recognition and appreciation as they continue to impress with their clear talent and passion for the music they’re creating.

The first single from their debut album ‘Bleed’ is ‘Tourniquet’, a single that launches listeners straight into a new direction and vision for the band. 

This single follows the experience of a relationship going south, and lead singer Barry Quinlan depicts the denial that comes from this situation. Opening with the whispers of "Even if I'm wrong / I'll stay in love with you", listeners are pulled into this new sound they’re exploring. Paired with the distorted, almost static guitar, it is pure grunge and alternative rock. As Quinlan sings and the storyline progresses, the instrumentals are consistent throughout the song, allowing the meaningful lyrics to shine.

The lyricism in 'Tourniquet' deserves to be noticed and appreciated. Straight away in the first verse, the metaphor "As the summer rained / Did you turn your roses blue?" suggests that when something in the relationship changed, something within their partner changed too, going from the typical, passionate red of roses to the colour of sadness. As the relationship becomes rockier throughout the track, the image of the tourniquet is brought into play: "Heart handed over as the tourniquet". Quinlan compares giving his heart over to stop the bleeding in the relationship, trying to preserve something that is losing life. The bridge explores the jealousy and toxicity that creeps in and lends itself perfectly to ending the song with the line "Even if I'm wrong / I'll stay in love with you", which is repeated throughout. Quinlan reiterates how even if the relationship ends, and he’s aware it’s unhealthy, he’ll continue to preserve his feelings and will not allow them to disappear.

If this is an insight into Bleech 9:3’s debut album, then it’s easy to say that it will be one of the most anticipated releases in their genre. Pairing it with a UK tour later this year and another one next year, the band is determined to build excitement, which won’t be a tiring task as their music and love for the craft speak for themselves. 


Freya Weir

@freyasconcertcam

Image: ‘Tourniquet' Official Single Cover


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