Tom Paine is a talented man. Having written pamphlets in support of American independence, he now plays synths for White Noise Cinema – a band comprising members from Birmingham and Kidderminster. Tom is joined by Benj Hiorns, Jim Atkins, Will Allman, Ben Allen and Scott Ewins.
The pandemic put a pause on their productivity, and they’re back after a five-year hiatus, with a debut album due next year. Their new single ‘For Every Drop An Ocean’ “captures the feeling of spiralling anxiety, where every minor worry threatens to expand into something monstrous.” I once wrote a song based on the same theme called ‘Going To Work’, though no one needs to hear sub-standard Kid A rip-offs and middle eights about open plan offices.
Talking of which, the new single by actually talented White Noise Cinema has the eerie atmosphere of Mansun’s ‘Wide Open Space’. The throbbing synth at the start sounds like the start of ‘The Logical Song’ stuck on repeat. An illogical mind loop. A self-perpetuating maelstrom of inner fears. ‘For Every Drop An Ocean’ features colossal chords, a clanging church bell, and demented vicar organ – yes, this song would slot perfectly into a set by Muse.
The video for the single depicts a spider losing its way down a plughole. If that isn’t a metaphor for our collective existence, I don’t know what is. White Noise Cinema are serious chaps, but their operatic stadium rock will make you happier than a billionaire surviving the apocalypse.
Check out the new single online
By: Neil Laurenson