‘HIGH TIDE’: THE BRAND NEW SINGLE FROM INDIE FOUR-PIECE NICHES
Meet Niches, the indie band makes waves across Brighton with their new single ‘High Tide’.
Hailing from Brighton, Niches are a four-piece indie band fronted by vocalist Lilli, backing vocalist and drummer Alfie, bassist Louis, and guitarist Matt. They were brought together four years ago by David O’Connell’s Original Allstars, a community collective based in Shoreham that gives support and performance opportunities to young musicians. Since their formation, Niches have proven themselves as one of the programme’s most promising artists, releasing a string of singles including their previous release ‘Festival Song’ - a track that’s as energetic as its name suggests, with an infectious riff reminiscent of Luna Bay’s ‘Hometown’.
Their latest project, ‘High Tide’, was recorded at Big Jelly Studios with Mike Collins and is their best release yet, showcasing vocals from Lilli that are akin to Elan Tamara or London Grammar’s Hannah Reid. The single was a group effort that “came together really nicely,” Lilli explains: bored with doing admin, Louis (who is cool enough to live on a houseboat!) had played her an idea on the piano, to which she’d added the melody. The song’s introduction pays homage to that writing process, leaving fuller production to the second half.
The lyrics are filled with gratitude, offering rose-tinted reflections on a blissful summer spent with friends: “high tide / best time for swimming / long nights / dancing in the kitchen,” Lilli sings, as Alfie’s drums crash into a euphoric brass section. The track’s crescendo toys with a jazzier, big band sound that sets Niches apart from the confines of pure indie-pop, and it suits them brilliantly. “We’re all so proud of it,” Lilli says. “I feel really lucky.” The track’s heady nostalgia feels especially poignant right now, as the festivals and parties of this summer feel like an increasingly distant reprieve in the onslaught of covid variants.
Nevertheless, Niches are looking ahead to the new year. “We’ve got a few exciting gigs coming up,” Lilli says; one of those is scheduled for February, when they’ll be opening for Cheap Teeth and The Clockworks in Worthing. They’re also hoping to make the rounds at 2022’s festival circuit, having already cut their teeth on a few this year. And with their distinct sound, which Lilli characterises as being happy above all else, we’re provided with some welcomed optimism - something which assures us there’s a bright future ahead for Niches.
Listen to ‘High Tide’ here:
