In Isolation: “Berlin” a Throwback to Classic British New Wave and Modern Indie Rock

Posted By: Rick JammPosted date: October 06, 2013in: Reviews, Videos1 Comment

Based in Nottingham, UK, In Isolation self-release their music through their Aye Aye Records label. In Isolation is Ryan Swift, John Berry and Tony Ghost. For 2013, In Isolation have been back in the studio with the legendary Gavin Monaghan (Editors/Babes In Toyland/Paolo Nutini) to record live favourite ‘Berlin’.

The song plays out the protagonist’s agony of choice thrust upon him between the Germanic city he loves and the partner of his dreams. The band worked on the video for the single with Derby filmmaker Aaron Itzerott, who recently featured the track as the end theme to his TV comedy pilot ‘Shooters’.

In Isolation have supported the likes of Republica, The Chapman Family, Cave Painting and Trailer Trash Traceys and have played various festivals, including Out The Box with Jake Bugg, York’s DV8 alongside Gary Numan and the WGW festival with New Model Army’s Justin Sullivan. The band work has also appeared in TV and movie productions.

In Isolation is more than a great rock band; they are a great rock band that can craft melodic pop singles filled with social and intellectual bite. This is simply the apex of pop music and when you listen to their latest release, “Berlin”, you know there’s something special here; it is just magic.

As a lyric-orientated person, I adore the dark and morbid yet witty poetry, especially when contrasted with an almost cheerful melody and insistent beat, as on this single. If you also enjoy poetic lyrics combined with a beautiful, jangling, and riffing guitar then you must get “Berlin” into your collection. Considering that Berlin is released as a three-sided single in 3 diverse musical flavors. There’s hardly a reason not to get it.

In Isolation incorporate New Wave, New Romantic and Punk influences in various doses, into their music. They’re a throwback to classic British New Wave and modern indie rock in one fell swoop. Listening to them I distinctly hear traces of Paul Weller and Style Council, Gang Of Four and The Smiths as well as Arcade Fire, The Killers and The Strokes.

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In Isolation is an essential band both for fanatics of this hypnotic hybrid sound, and for neophytes. One thing apparent about this band that I value: In Isolation isn’t trying too hard to be obscure and different; they’re just playing good old rock and roll for music’s sake. This much was already evident from their previous singles “Film Noir Scandal” and “The Wrong Girl”. To complement their old- is-new-again-sound, they have a great collection of songs on their Singles CD release which is available as a hard copy.

Don’t let the current trend in indie rock bands fool you, In Isolation are completely different than most others…they’re actually good. They stay true to a formula that works, and has always worked in rock music, great vocals, and awesome guitar work over a passionate rhythm section.

Even though they haven’t fully taken off yet, they are gaining momentum and a dedicated following, especially in light of their single releases like “Berlin”, “Film Noir Scandal” and “The Wrong Girl”, all of which are absolutely amazing.

In Isolation however is not some fluffy pop band. They’re exciting, they’re retro-modern, they’re just plain awesome! The single “Berlin” is available through iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, Spotify and as a limited edition CD from Big Cartel.