It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from a band that has been hailed as ‘one of the most anticipated Rock/Metal bands to emerge out of Birmingham’s scene in the last decade’.
However, Second Cities are still here and are set to release their first single since collaborating with Drowning Pool’s – ‘Ryan McCombs’ back in August 2023. The band have been playing festivals and working hard in the meantime and the latest release “Divide” will be out in the world from 15th August.
Speaking of the single, the band say- “Divide is a hard-hitting and infectious anthem – perfect for empowering late-night drives when you don’t feel good enough, or motivation for those days where getting out of bed feels impossible. It’s a razor-edged evolution; sharp, unapologetic, and utterly anthemic. We believe this next single will not just resonate – it will leave a lasting mark on the music scene.”
Strong words, so what can we expect from Divide?
It opens with a delicate strum soon joined by tapping beats and whirring strings as vocalist Jamie starts questioning the subject of the song about their behaviour and manipulation. A rising chorus and pattering beat reigns triumphant, an unwillingness to be walked all over, defiant.
A haunting tone takes over, the forces that belittle us given a voice, taking over as light and dark fall divided. Narcissistic evil making you feel as if you’re going mad, questioning yourself as to what is real. The searing notes burning malevolently behind a spoken mantra and roaring, deep screams, the sinister feeling evoked continues as the track ends.
Think Bring Me The Horizon and Bullet For My Valentine for influences, and for the first time whilst listening to Second Cities, this track musically made me think of Muse in places.
With the release comes a haunting music video, which lays bare the physical and mental scars of domestic abuse – each frame a stark cry against violence. With raw emotion and unflinching imagery, it is said to “expose the cruelty behind closed doors, and urges viewers to break the silence.”
Filmed on location at SLL Studios and KK’s Steel Mill with videography by Jay Shredder and Luke Smith, with lighting by Jon Smith and Neil Lucas.
Divide was produced and mixed at SLL Studios by Jay Shredder, and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden.
Second Cities are made up of vocalist Jamie Martin, returning member Zoey Luna who joins Tony Mac to add guitars, Damon Springthorpe on bass and Joshua Zaidi-Crosse on drums. Everything this band brings to the table is done with experience and expertise. No strangers to the festival circuit, I’m positive they are destined for even bigger things.
By: Kate Fitzer