The Broken Creels ask us if ‘Friend or Foe’ on their debut single

The Broken Creels are a must-hear band made up of Colin Clyne (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Tom Ward (guitar/keys), Lee Heinemann (bass), and Daz Alexander (drums). Each member provides their specific talents and experience from other projects, including The Dawntreaders, Eskimo Blonde, Parker and The Carrons, and others from solo ventures. Together, they describe themselves as a “collaborative catch pulled from the depths of the North Sea”. 

For their first release, they have selected “Friend or Foe”. They say it takes its inspiration “from the 1990’s indie rock scene, but its contemporary production ensures it sits perfectly in its modern surroundings. Lyrically, the song touches on the times of turbulence, fear, and misinformation we live in; and how, when surrounded by such division, the lines blur seamlessly between friend and foe”. There has been nothing but praise from those who have been lucky enough to listen to it early. Now, let’s find out for ourselves how good it sounds. 

As soon as you press play, the guys kick into action with a thunderous and anthemic soundtrack. The guitars and drums grab the listener’s attention. It does not take long for Clyne’s vocals to join in with the lines, “Seems my face don’t fit in anywhere / I feel the burn in your hateful stare / I sense you feel you’re breathing better air / Suffocates me as I try to share”. As he shares them, the mood slows down. But, it still has that something to hold your attention.

With big anthemic sounds and singalong hooks, it all sounds good for The Broken Creels with their debut single ‘Friend or Foe’

Then, they burst into life with its chorus. Everyone comes in to create an infectious soundtrack that adds so much to the hook. You can’t help but sing along with Clyne as he shares, “And all these roads / That we roam / God I just don’t know / Are we friend or foe?”. Some of these lines make the bridge. However, they are stripped back and slowed down slightly. Even though it has a shift in mood, you still feel compelled to join in. If that does not grab you, then the chorus afterwards will. It feels bigger as they use it to help close out the song.

There is an ebb and flow to “Friend or Foe”. The verses slow down the tempo, with the hook becoming more upbeat with its sing-along qualities. It does not matter which mood they deliver, as all of it sounds great on the ears. Before the bridge and the outro lines, “Nothing but lost souls / Travel these long roads / Long roads”, the listener is given an extra treat. They deliver two stunning guitar solos. Yet again, it helps create a stadium-like feel to the song. The drumming by Alexander also helps with this vast and atmospheric soundtrack.

As it finishes, its upbeat, toe-tapping vibe leaves you wanting more. With big hooks and big soundtracks, this is a band that will sound even better live. If you get the chance, check them out, as from this track alone, it will be a great experience. Looking to the future, as well as hitting the road with shows, there are more singles in the works. It may only be the beginning for The Broken Creels, but the signs show they are one to watch.