Wiltshire’s rising indie quartet step confidently forward with Shearwater, a single that highlights both their growth and newfound maturity.
Nothing Rhymes With Orange continue their ascent after a packed summer of performances, appearing at festivals like Camper Calling and Golden Touch alongside a host of emerging talent. Marking their first release since January’s Stepping Up My Spine, the group return with Shearwater, a passionate, captivating single that caps off a successful summer for the band.
Opening with a slower, grunge-tinged guitar riff, the track initially hints at something that could sit within Wunderhorse’s catalogue. Yet, what unfolds is distinctly its own, a carefully crafted piece that immediately draws listeners in. Elijah Easton’s vocals enter gently, soft yet brimming with emotion, floating seamlessly over the textured instrumentation. The verse delves into the tangled emotions of love and lust, carried with nuance and restraint. It’s a polished first minute that establishes the band’s increasingly refined sonic identity.
The choruses stand out as undeniable highlights. The refrain “In the February rain, I wave across the river” carries forward the lyrical thread of the opening verse, while the instrumentation elevates the song. These moments expertly blend Lui Venables’ driving drums, the steady basslines from Fin Anderson-Farquhar’s, and Sam Briggs’ fluid lead guitar, all intertwined with Easton’s raw, impassioned vocals. The result is a dynamic blend that gives the song its most powerful surges.
One of the track’s defining moments comes with a stunning guitar solo, seamlessly bridging its shifting sections while stirring a sense of hopeful energy. It’s a flourish that’s sure to shine even brighter in the band’s upcoming live sets. As the solo gives way, Easton’s vocals return for the closing chorus, a final lift that pushes the track to its peak. What begins with a subdued introduction ultimately swells into something far grander, mirroring the intensity of lustful emotions building towards an inevitable release. The song eases to its end, Easton’s voice fading gracefully into the silence.
If Shearwater is any indication, 2026 could be a breakthrough year for these indie-rock hopefuls. Nothing Rhymes With Orange are continuing their live dates with a headline show at The Old England, Bristol, on the 26th of September. Fans may just catch this new single live for the very first time.
