AMBER LEAVES share new single ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Alone’, the powerful third instalment of their orchestral indie-soul trilogy, out on 18 December
AMBER LEAVES share new single ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Alone’, the powerful third instalment of their orchestral indie-soul trilogy, out on 18 December. We did listen to this song many times, just to be sure :). We love the arrangements and the instrumentation, in particular the percussion whose varied movements underpin the rhythmic expression of a song that amazingly succeeds in marrying lyrics pack with emotional innuendos (emphasised by orchestral strings) and the unshakable urge to dance. 1 In Music.
“O1ff kilter indie married to a hip-hop beat” – Clash
“Utterly fresh, Amber Leaves turn a new page” – Click and Listen
“Will soon have the reluctant dancers emerging from the shadows” – Listen With Monger
“Emotionally charged and melodically textured… we cannot help but fall in love” – Diamond Deposits
“An individualistic but wholly accessible sound” – State magazine
About ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Alone’
“Essentially it’s a song about grief and loss and trying to get through to someone you love who is going through some really, really tough shit. When we came to record it I got quite emotional during the vocal takes because I felt the only way to do the song honestly was to get back in that headspace and let myself feel those things again.” Chesney Jefferson
Formed of a composite musical arc that encompasses a svelte and spacious groove, a soaring disco-tinged chorus and an emotive outro of orchestral strings, the latest release from Amber Leaves showcases lead singer Chesney Jefferson on characteristically rich vocal form as he delivers his heartfelt words of consolation and hope. The adroit musicianship of ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Alone’ – melding gritty disco-pop with delightful jazzy flair – keeps the listener on their toes right through to the song’s powerful climax, and is further evidence of this emerging London quintet’s unique approach and delivery. Released on all digital formats on Friday 18 December, ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Alone’, like Amber Leaves’ previous two singles, was expertly mastered by Grammy award-winner Mandy Parnell (Bjork, Aphex Twin).
About Amber Leaves
When vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player Chesney Jefferson was seeking musicians to help perform his keenly crafted pop songs, he soon persuaded fellow Leeds University alumni and former performing partners Jake Milburn (guitar) and Seb Drayton (drums) to get involved. Following a fortuitous, possibly drunken, meeting in a smoky wine bar, bassist Jay Morrod was also commandeered and Amber Leaves were born. The group honed their smooth meld of funky rock, blue-eyed soul and acid jazz before their already buzz-generating output was further improved by the acquisition of guitarist Josh Pontin, fusing the material with greater depth and instrumental interplay. The band now had a catalogue of powerful material to set to tape including the three beautifully composed yet disparate singles, ‘Heaven’, ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’ and ‘Wouldn’t Wanna Be Alone’. All released in 2015, these acclaimed tracks have facilitated Amber Leaves performing sell-out shows at prestigious London venues The Barfly and The Borderline, as well as a mainstage slot at Farmfest, alongside the likes of Lamb, Nightmares On Wax and Submotion Orchestra. With notable radio play and growing recognition on the blogosphere to boot, it’s been a rapid and sustained progression for Amber Leaves since their inception barely 18 months ago, and with new recordings and a tour in the pipeline next year, theirs is a momentum that will gather no moss.
