Souls in Motion

Emerging from the vibrant music scene in Swansea, Wales, Pastel are a five-piece guitar band signed to independent label Spirit of Spike Island. Pastel presents their eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘Souls in Motion’. Blending the dreamy textures of psychedelia with the raw energy of indie rock, Pastel delivers a nostalgic yet fresh soundscape that’s sure to resonate with fans of classic guitar music.

The album kicks off with ‘Heroes Blood’, a bold and brash opening track that sets the tone perfectly. The powerful guitar riffs and crashing percussion from drummer Rhys Wheeler signal a confident and cohesive band, exuding the kind of effortless swagger that many attempt but few achieve. From the very first note, it’s clear Pastel has something special.

Tracks like ‘Gone Too Fast’ and ‘Your Day‘ showcase the band’s ability to channel the gritty, anthemic sound that fans of Liam Gallagher and The Twang will instantly recognize. ‘Gone Too Fast’ boasts a dirty bassline and harmonized vocals that linger in your mind, while ‘Your Day‘ is pure 90s nostalgia, a swaggering anthem underpinned by beefy percussion.

‘Dancing on a Pin‘ brings the focus to James Yates’ charismatic vocals, which hop, skip, and dance across the song’s syllables with ease. On more tender tracks like ‘Leave a Light On (Velvert Storm)‘ and ‘Isaiah‘, Yates reveals a softer, more emotive side, demonstrating the band’s impressive range and versatility.

‘Deeper Than Holy‘ stands out as a highlight of the album. Liam O’Shea’s hypnotic bassline opens the track, soon joined by Aaron Tormey’s dazzling guitar work. The result is a mesmerizing song that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Primal Scream record. This is guitar music at its finest, with the band’s instruments and vocals coming together in perfect harmony to create something truly magical.

The dreamy ‘Sunnyside’ and the escapist ‘Escape‘ provide moments of serene relaxation, evoking images of carefree summer days spent in lush fields under a cloudless sky. These tracks showcase the band’s ability to effortlessly shift tempos while maintaining precision and depth.

‘Souls in Motion’ is a love letter to the golden era of guitar music, drawing clear inspiration from legends like Oasis, The Verve, and The Charlatans. However, Pastel adds their own unique twist, blending these influences with a distinctive creative flair that makes their music feel both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

This debut album is a triumph, a carefully crafted collection of songs that transport listeners back to an era when life felt simpler, all while showcasing the undeniable talent and individuality of a band destined for greatness.