ONLY THE POETS ASTOUND WITH DEBUT ALBUM ‘And I’d Do It Again’

Photo Credit: Capitol Records

Only The Poets – the band name on everyone’s lips at the moment, for all of the right reasons – have finally released their debut album. Formed in Reading back in 2017, the four-piece have been everywhere lately, making headlines for their accessible £1 gig initiative, and opening up opportunities for up-and-coming bands, artists and photographers. With the gig taking place on Monday 2nd February, Only The Poets have officially kickstarted their brand new era with the release of their long-awaited debut.

Crafted over many long months in the aftermath of lead singer Tommy Longhurst’s long-term relationship ending, And I’d Do It Again is not ‘just another break-up album’, but Only The Poets’ jaw-dropping debut. It’s bold, it’s dazzling, and if we’re honest… it’s the Reading lads at their finest.

Superbly opening the album is the title track. Despite being just over a minute in length, it crafts the perfect introduction for what’s to come. It certainly makes a huge statement, with cuts of different songs put together, then building into a cinematic climax. Tying in with key themes including heartbreak, there’s a sense of loss behind the cinematic symphonies that course through the track. It’s so clever that after listening just once, you’ll be desperate to hear more of what the young band have to offer.

The next three songs are significant for building the album’s story. The anger that powers Monumental gives it that addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more, while Thinking Bout Your Ex follows a more relaxed, R&B pattern which helps to calm us down from the madness of its predecessors (mainly down to Andy “Roo” Burge’s silky-smooth bass). You do have to appreciate the acoustic section in Monumental, as it perfectly balances the rage, like the Yin to the Yang.

Emotionally Hungover was my first introduction to the band, and I have been obsessed ever since. It’s a tad different from its tracklist companions, very alt-pop heavy and filled with soaring hooks and melodies. Both that and Monumental put into perspective the pain of a break-up in different ways. Monumental has a slightly sarcastic beginning: “congratulations on your ready-set replacement / you said you’re better without, just another lie that you’re telling now,” before diving into the newfound freedom that being single comes with. It’s their loss for losing you. Then Emotionally Hungover is the comedown – when you actually have to confront the pain of the end, where there doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel.

Moving down the tracklist, and then we hit Saké. Frankly, Saké is a sexy song. With irresistible grooves and the characteristic charm Tommy and his bandmates possess, this one can be played everywhere. Think of bedroom speakers while getting ready, to radio stations across the UK. Longhurst’s vocals are sultry and stunning, at some parts I’d even say his vocals are reminiscent of Harry Styles (specifically his hit single Late Night Talking). This makes sense considering the final mastering was done by the fantastic Chris Gehringer who has also worked with Styles in the past.

The songs that follow paint And I’d Do It Again in a thrilling new light. Each connected not just with each other, but the wider album. Freeze finishes off what Madeline started. Madeline’s raw, stripped-back nature transforms into Freeze’s darker vibe where yearning is at its core. There are hints of Maroon 5 within, thanks to the vocals and the synths.

A lesson to be learned is that moving on is hard but it’s even harder when someone is struggling to move on from you. You Hate That I’m In Love leaves no stone unturned. The jagged guitars (courtesy of Clem Cherry) showcase all the hurt that comes from a person being stuck in the past and how tiring it can become.

SAY! makes itself heard. The shouts of the title are an urgent wake-up call, getting your heart racing and your feet moving in time with the beat. Even though it portrays similar themes to other songs like Madeline, you unlock a new layer of Only The Poets with every listen. This is them – and there’s no shame in it. Instead, it’s a testament to how far the band have come. They started off in small venues like Reading’s The Purple Turtle but now they’ve enamoured fans in large-capacity shows, such as their almost 5,000-capacity £1 Brixton Academy concert, and I have no doubt that this number will only continue to grow.

Never before have I heard songs so decadent and irresistible until now. Don’t Wanna Know and Bad bring back the snarkiness that fellow tracks like Monumental have established, and paired alongside Bad’s swaggering confidence, they act as one final f*ck you to the end of a relationship. God Knows Where You Were, on the other hand, is a lot breezier. With opening chords having a similar sound to Common People by PULP, you can’t help but be intrigued to hear where this track is going to go. The layered vocals are heavenly, and the guitar riffs are scorching, keeping you coming back time after time.

Bringing the drama, the energy and the excitement, these songs make you feel sad that the album is beginning to reach its end.

I Keep On Messing It Up is Longhurst’s writing at his most vulnerable. A powerful admission of not being perfect, as heard by lyrics like “I keep on messing it up / keep holding on when I know it’s wrong / so sorry for leading you on”, it’s the most honest single that I’ve heard in a long time.

Behind the fun melodies, regret permeates the track. Natural emotions from the end of a long-term relationship rise to the surface, letting you feel seen. The volume changes help to emphasise this, while also giving the tune that trademark Only The Poets sound.

Being a stunning example of what a great pop song should sound like, there’s everything but the kitchen sink thrown into the mix. From the sonic guitar riffs to the nostalgia of the 80s as created by the twinkling pianos, the English band undeniably know how to craft a standout song.

Rounding the album off immaculately is Guess She’s Cool. Throughout the album, it’s become evidently clear that Only The Poets don’t shy away from difficult emotions, and this track is no different. Detailing the struggle of moving on, it highlights the fact that while you can find comfort in others, it’ll never replace the love that you once felt: “I’m tired of being lonely so I sleep with someone else / I wonder when you kiss if you ever think of me / she’s helping me forget about you”. Longhurst’s vocals drip with yearning, and alongside Burge’s thumping bass, they pull you in closer, desperate to hear what’s being said.

A song that you can dance through your tears to, I can’t think of a better way to close off this emotional rollercoaster!

A debut that sounds way more sophisticated, And I’d Do It Again manages to turn pain into art. Described by the band as “the best representation of us to date”, I would be inclined to agree. Gearing them up for great success, I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves next!

And I’d Do It Again is out now everywhere.

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