Underlowe Asks What We Lose When Everything Is Documented on “No Pictures”

By Kevin Malton, Editor

Released at the end of last month and still seemingly gaining momentum, "No Pictures" from Cardiff pop-punk band Underlowe is a standout track in the genre.

Pop-punk is an over-exposed section of rock music. It takes something special to stretch the mould and that is what Underlowe have done here. By incorporating strong and pioneering production techniques - such as good use of layering and vocal filtering, they have created a song that fits nicely in the sphere of pop-punk yet also something more refined and intelligent. The band have said that the song took a year to come together; the patience and dedication to 'getting it right' is on full display.

The song opens with a picked chord sequence, the filtered vocals drifting carefree over the top. This serves to be immediately engaging; the song is teased out from there. Drums, a more energetic vocal. The song then lifts off at full throttle - punchy power chords drive the track towards the chorus, where the vocal is fully released; there's a versatility here. There are shades of early Green Day but this is contained. 'No pictures' is unmistakably all Underlowe.

Underlowe are certainly dynamic. Despite their relatively young ages, they are musician's musician's. The line-up boasts music graduates, long-term friends, a former church gospel keyboard player. The band are a true collective with each member being a piece of a larger puzzle, locking together to create something really special.

With a dedicated videographer (see the music video above, simply brilliant) and an experienced drummer too, they have all the ingredients. I think what is most striking about Underlowe is their patience. As previously mentioned, 'No Pictures' took a year to come to fruition. This is a band who won't be putting out single after single after single hoping that something sticks. It is a sign of rightful self-assuredness and the perfectionism has paid off.

'No Pictures' is a must-listen and proves that pop-punk, in this band's hands, isn't quite dead yet.