Artist: The Assist
Song: “Disconnections”
Genres: #indierock #alternativerock
Location: Walsall, United Kingdom
Release date: November, 2024
Comment: I had never heard of The Assist until I listened to “Disconnections,” which immediately caught my attention. It turns out they are one of the UK’s most established underground rock acts. They catalogue themselves as a ‘council-pop’ outfit, which was also the title of their debut album. In the UK, ‘council’ generally refers to local government authorities responsible for various public services, like housing, education, and transportation. When people talk about ‘council housing,’ they mean homes provided by local councils at affordable rents for people in need. So, I guess the term ‘council-pop’ refers to the fact that The Assist‘s music is grounded in the everyday experiences and realities of working-class life. That would certainly fit with what “Disconnections” is all about.
The title track of The Assist’s anticipated sophomore studio album, “Disconnections,” is a compelling exploration of the feeling of detachment from life. Lead singer Mikey Stanton doesn’t mince words as he dissects our relentless quest for ‘bigger and better,’ which has led us to undervalue life’s simplest joys. How often have we seen someone miss a beautiful moment because they were too absorbed in their mobile phones? Musically, the track is a catchy blend of indie rock, hip-hop beats, and pop rhythms.
As a curious note, if you’re familiar with the ephemeral American band The Last Goodnight, who achieved modest success with their single “Pictures of You” back in 2007, you might agree that the vocals of both bands’ lead singers are quite similar in tone and delivery style. I find this very interesting because I doubt Mikey Stanton is even aware of The Last Goodnight’s albums.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to The Assist‘s music, “Disconnections” is a track that’s hard to ignore. Give it a listen and see for yourself.
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