WATCH: Pale Waves Wrestles With Heartbreak In New Single “Change”
WATCH: Pale Waves Wrestles With Heartbreak In New Single “Change”
The track is the lead single off of their upcoming sophomore LP, ‘WHO AM I?’
Words By: Jason Russo
For Fans Of: beabadoobee, MUNA, The Aces
British indie-pop sensation, Pale Waves, is back with their lead single “Change” off of their upcoming sophomore LP, Who Am I? The track is a nostalgic patchwork quilt comprised of different stories of heartbreak and loss at the end of relationships. A relatable bop with a catchy chorus that longs for a change, this single will have you singing your heart out.
“Change” takes the pain of heartbreak and channels it into an earworm track that matches bright guitar riffs with lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie’s impressive vocals. The lyrics of the song reflect the personal frustrations with wanting to go back to someone who treated you badly while also resenting them and wanting to move on. This complex emotion is channeled perfectly throughout the song and is a relatable message wrapped into a stellar indie-pop song.
The video for “Change” is a garden day dream with bold makeup looks and flowers surrounding Baron-Gracie as she serenades the camera. Later, the rest of the band joins her as torrential rain falls and floods the scene around them. Showcasing the band’s style and theme of the track, the grunge inspired looks are plucked straight out of the 90s punk scene — yet the sound couldn’t be any more modern.
The emotions of “Change” reflect much of the major themes of their upcoming album, Who Am I?, which reflects not only on Baron-Gracie’s emerging sexuality and early romantic relationships, but also on her struggle with mental illness and depression. “Change” is the perfect lead single that zeroes right in on one of the most frustrating moments of a breakup. The record itself is reflective of personal growth and undergoing change, and this moment of tension is a great way to dive in to the band’s latest project.
Pale Waves are one of the most impressive indie-pop bands out of the UK today. Their debut album My Mind Makes Noises was a global smash hit that landed them on the Top 10 UK Album Chart as they toured with world-renowned acts like The 1975, Muse, and The Cure. Who Am I? was recorded with acclaimed producer Rich Costey until quarantine forced the band members to record in their bedrooms at home; however, the band’s manifesto of inclusivity and being yourself is celebrated throughout this album. “For me, music and art is for people not to feel so alone and isolated. I want to be that person my fans look up to and find comfort in,” Baron-Gracie commented on the making of the LP. Who Am I? is scheduled to be released on February 12th of next year. In the meantime, stay tuned for more from Pale Waves!
