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Review: We Have Band – Watertight [Single]

Naïve Records // "Their indie-electro sound is intriguing if a little unoriginal"

by Candi H, July 14th, 2012 and has been Read 583 times.
Last Edited by: Ffion Davies July 15th, 2012.

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With possibly the most unoriginal band name in history, We Have Band (told you) are a London-based trio completed by Darren Bancroft, Dede Wegg-Prosser and husband Thomas Wegg-Prosser. Their sound has been described as indie/electro-pop with all three members writing with a variety of instruments including guitars, synthesizers, drum machines and samples. They are also known for remixing a number of artists including well-known French electronic act M83, and alternative British bands Bloc Party and Gorillaz.

‘Watertight’ is taken from the groups’ second album, Ternion, and it’s a four minute up-tempo indie ride with buzzing synth and live drums. It’s very much akin to the already mentioned Bloc Party albeit with an obvious electronic influence. The vocal harmonies are great; Darren taking the lead for the majority – “I’m gone, I’m gone for you, for you. I’m lost, I’m lost in you, in you” he repeats in a faint but alluring tone. The opening blips and sounds are very much like the British animated kids show, Clangers! (for anyone who was a child in the early 70’s) Mouse-like space creatures aside, the track blooms into a fast-paced gritty number in which Dede’s soft vocals contrast the others well.

LISTEN // 'Watertight'

http://soundcloud.com/wehaveband/watertight

It gets quite repetitive but thankfully develops in the last couple of minutes. A quiet break tricks you into thinking it’s finished, before it suddenly bursts with life again; a new hard punk-rock edge is great with “Wah-wah-ha” sarcastic vocals and a change in rhythm. It stops it from becoming just another droning, lifeless indie-rock song, although it only lasts for a short time. “...Don’t you play around, make sure that we’re watertight. Baby you’re alright, lay with me tonight” they repeat coldly right until the last note.

WATCH // 'Watertight' (acoustic)

Whilst Googling the track, I came across a much more impressive live acoustic rendition with no more than one guitar and the band’s vocals and hands for percussion; a good example of why less is sometimes more. We Have Band seem like an established group and their indie-electro sound is intriguing if a little unoriginal. ‘Watertight’ is a cool track although I can’t help but show more interest when they’re stripped of their electronic tools and gadgets.

'Watertight' is available as a free download here.