‘I Came Around’ is the latest release from Birmingham 4-piece the Five O Fives. It’s their first track of 2022 with previous single ‘Had To Do It’ – which dealt with the “feeling of dread” at the imminent demise of a relationship – released at the tail end of last year.
Up until now, the Five O Fives could be characterised as a typical indie-rock band, with guitar and drums merging around singer Alice Bloor’s vocal to create an inoffensive and satisfying sound. For their latest track, they have found their edge. The guitar has become weaponised and has its own part to play in the unfolding of a bad breakup. Think White Stripes or Royal Blood for the guitar and drums feel and you can figure out that this time round the band really do mean business.
The effect when the guitar starts to mimic the vocal line, is like Bloor becoming armour clad and empowered as she sings of a hardened acceptance, “I don’t care if you want to play these games”. The monochrome nature of the track builds up a level of tension which finds eventual release in a melodious middle eight, a glimpse of vulnerability and hurt, a chink in the armour – “you took a piece of my heart” – before she dons her protective layer again in a display of what she has now become. The military style drum roll that kicks off the final declaration of ‘I Came Around’ further impresses the idea that she now, like the band, is a force to be reckoned with.