Review by Lee Barber, The Underground Venue Manager, Co-Producer of The Honey Box and Honey Box Hive project lead
New single We Don’t Want Your Money from Staffordshire-based trio KOALA hits exactly how they want it to. It’s cunning and subtle, producing an atmospheric concoction of signatures and progressions.
Recorded at Lower Lane Studio with Sam Bloor, KOALA wrote the music trying to encapsulate the feeling of being at a funfair where things are not as they seem, and you certainly get the feeling of being thrown about on the waltzers, those creeping shadows following this way and that through the ghost ride, and suddenly you find yourself questioning who you really are.
Perhaps that was the intention all the while from the dynamic act, whose lyrics to the song detail the endless state of panic and desperate need to consume, with singer and guitarist Chris Hillman offering the following when speaking about the track: “I feel like this song reflects a little on the deeper value of life beyond material wealth and the importance of wisdom and experience.
“In a fast-paced society driven by consumerism and status, it feels like attention spans and patience has diminished – it’s refreshing to take a step back and appreciate the intangible aspects that enrich our lives. It’s important to find balance and not lose sight of what truly matters in the grand old scheme of things.”
There’s no doubt about it, this song is catchy as hell, with spooky undertones and delicate vibes of peak Arctic Monkeys, where the playful music hides a darker, far more twisted message within its lyrics.
Bethan Shufflebotham, founder of The Leopheard added: “KOALA have developed a real knack for devilishly disconcerting soundscapes and infectious melodies. Don’t Want Your Money hits a sweet nostalgia spot, echoing the Arctic Monkeys’ Humbug era with a dark and effortlessly cool twist. Despite their relative infancy, KOALA have honed in on a distinct sound and continue to prove themselves as one of the most exciting bands on the block right now.”
January release CERAMIC had a good reception upon release, described by The Leopheard as a “haunting, immersive journey that stands as a testament to KOALA’s commitment to pushing sonic boundaries with every release.” And so too it may be said of this latest offering from the Newcastle-under-Lyme psychedelic rock outfit, who can be found headlining The Underground on Saturday, March 23 in celebration of the release.
