Milton Keynes indie outfit Tiebreak have just released their debut album 16–23, which was recorded entirely to analogue tape at the iconic Tilehouse Studios. From the long-player release, we’re picking out stand-out single ‘Ellipsis’, which really typifies the band’s energetic, youthful and guitar-driven sound.
Taking cues from British indie mainstays like The Cure and The Smiths, as well as more recent names like Blossoms, ‘Ellipsis’ brings a grounded warmth into the expressive guitars and upbeat rhythms through the organic, live-style recording. Backed by these shimmering textures, frontman Isaac Tofield delivers an earnest vocal performance as he unfolds a narrative of an actively dissolving relationship.
The symbolism of “ellipsis” is an interesting one here too as the punctuation often represents a pause, one that’s silent and suspended, yet here Tiebreak offers up a feeling from a kinetic frenzy. The percussion, provided by Liv West on bass and Ed Hammond on drums, acts like that series of purposeful full stops, which will lead to an inevitable end. Even as the guitars burst in incendiary riffs, those rhythms remain consistent which adds a stable structure to this extroverted soundscape.
With their first record now out there in the world, tracks like ‘Ellipsis’ with its vintage production and unmistakable live feel should give listeners every reason to get down to one of Tiebreak‘s gigs this year.
You can also listen to ‘Ellipsis’ in our Indie Rockers playlist.
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