Our more astute listeners may have already come across Sweden’s emerging pop-rock outfit, Big No No, through the release of their well-received self-titled debut album. That being said, it’s by no means essential to be a pre-existing fan of the Big No No to jump on the band wagon now, especially as it’s just in time for the start of their new phase. Departing from the 90’s indie-rock and krautrock inspired aesthetic of their debut album, the Stockholm group embrace change with their new single ‘Hold Your Horses’.
Stylistically, this track takes note from American guitar noise and late 70’s power-pop, although with their own ironic twist. The theme of moving forward continues on further into the song’s central concept, which the band summaries through the well-known sating, “you can never step in the same river twice.” The inspiration for this ideas is not simply an internal expression of the band’s new chapter, but it was also inspired externally by the award-winning actor and all around good egg, Matthew McConaughey. No one could doubt the actor’s long-established talents, confirmed by his Oscar win in 2014, but years later his role in Hold Your Horses proved that he could achieve a new level of on-screen brilliance.
To put it simply, you should never count yourself out of the race; you can always surprise yourself and reach even greater heights. This message of positivity is wrapped up in an equally uplifting sonic package. Loose beach-rock drums and washed-out drums are soaked in the ambience of a late summer afternoon. The vocals follow melodiously along, sharing a care-free “ooh-ooh-ooh” and that trademark worthy “alright, alright, alright.”
While ‘Hold Your Horses’ represents the cycle of change, some things benefit from staying the ame. As was the case with their debut album, Big No No recorded their new single live at Stockholm’s INGRID studio with producer Christoffer Zakrisson. The single is also complete with a colourful and playful music video, waiting for your to watch below.
You can also listen to ‘Hold Your Horses’ in our Shades of Pop and Outsiders Club playlists.
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