Records that tackle the universal experiences of loss and pain are the ones that subtly draw you in and keep you there for years to come. On their debut album, Coventry band The Institutes transcend their own discontentment, and help us to overcome ours, by creating, through their sound, a sense of togetherness. ‘’Colosseums’’ is an oil lit lantern through a great dark expanse. And although they don’t necessarily have the answers, they offer us the opportunity to find them together.
When I first stumbled on The Institutes back in December, I was, to my surprise, immediately hooked. On first listen, I was impressed that the Coventry four-piece did not just imitate sounds of the past but used them as a springboard for something more ambitious. And whilst I thought the tracks themselves were thoughtfully crafted, and the production was refreshingly simple, I was confused as to why I fell so deeply into this record. In search of an answer, I began to really listen to what was being said. I quickly realised it was the writing that had lassoed me in: resonating with me on a profound level.
More so than anyone in recent memory, The Institutes capture the restless, gnawing feeling of having nothing and wanting more. Lost love and heartbreak pervades every inch of this record, but ‘’Colosseums’’ is not a one trick pony. Here you will find 4 people wrestling to understand life, and looking to navigate its turbulence without sustaining too much damage.
Take ‘’All You’ll Ever Know’’, for example. The group kick off the album with this track, and come bounding at us like birds out of a cage. Walls of Foo Fighter esque, dense guitar and thrashing drums illustrate Currie’s discontent with the city he lives and, assumedly, grew up in. We hear Currie’s soaring, transcendent vocals referencing ‘’broken dreams’’: asking himself ‘’will I get out alive?’’. The chorus perfectly highlights the group’s position with Currie, accompanied by angelic harmonies, singing:
“This town / All that you’ll ever know / Will we ever get out?’’
Currie follows a tradition of Coventry artists being dissatisfied with their surroundings. Being from Coventry myself, I can attest to the city’s ability to make you yearn for more. Rarely have I heard this feeling illustrated with such angst and ferocity however.
Lost love and loss are explored at quite a few points on this record. When tackling such themes, artists often have to tread lightly to avoid cliche. It takes an immense amount of skill, both lyrically and compositionally, to take on a breakup on a record and offer a unique perspective. Through honest lyricism and timeless melodies, The Institutes succeed in creating this unique perspective. ‘’Colosseums’’ is a record in its own capsule. There are no gimmicks used here, just flawless songwriting that lays out an honest assessment of the transition from love to loss and back again.
This is evident on the Pureessence sounding ‘’Inside Out’’. Featuring a triumphant chorus that explodes with nostalgia and tidal waves of rhythm guitar, Currie pleads:
“Inside out / Your love is Inside out / How does it feel now?’’
Currie’s words, underpinned by an explosive chorus and hazy guitarwork, highlight the depth of confusion one feels as a result of unrequited love. When we fail to receive the love we think we deserve, it can throw our very existence off balance. This idea is explored elsewhere, with the Currie on ‘’Something Beautiful’’ admitting
“I thought we had something beautiful / I’m down and I want to get up again’’
Towards the end of the record, we witness a seismic shift in the writing. A process of self-realisation unfolds, as we transition from titles like ‘’I Just Can’t Keep Myself from Loving You’’ to ‘’Heal in Time’’ and ‘’Better Now’’.
The sensational closer ‘’Better Now’’ highlights the post-breakup desire for self-fulfilment and clarity with deep potency. Layers of celestial guitar, and a sound that mimics a fog horn, creates the image of being at sea surrounded by a deep, dense fog. Like the fog horn, the track is a guide to safety. Currie’s realisation that the only way to heal, and perhaps love again, is through understanding your own self worth and importance is powerful. Although the erosion of love may feel like being stuck at sea, there is hope through yourself. The band’s sound on ‘’Better Now’’ sits at astronomical heights, paying homage to the likes of U2 and the late great Exit Calm. We hear the group soar high above the rest of the album on this closer, with a searing chorus that provides motivation to go forth and achieve your dreams in the face of adversity.
The Institutes write for the many, and it is evident on this record. The familiar experiences of loss, unattainable dreams and unrequited love are handled with refreshing honesty. The message is crystal clear, and is one we can all tune in to. Nods to the likes of 90’s powerhouses such as The Stone Roses, Ride and Longpigs can be heard throughout ‘’Colosseums’’. Unlike a great number of their peers who draw the line at imitation however, The Institutes, through blistering choruses and transparent introspection, seem intent on carving out a space for themselves amongst some of the greatest bands this country has ever seen.