What we’ve heard thus far from Minor Victories — the supergroup featuring Rachel Goswell of Slowdive, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, Justin Lockey of Editors, and James Lockey of Hand Held Cine Club — has largely been a theatrical, shoegazing take on synthpop sounds. “A Hundred Ropes” droned ominously like a warrior’s charge, while “Folk Arp” shined romantically, but both leaned into ambiance. With new single “Scattered Ashes (Song for Richard)”, the band shows that they’re more than capable of brightening up their sound.
Featuring a guest appearance from James Graham of The Twilight Sad, the track keeps things light with reverberating claps and siren-like synths. There’s still a heaviness present, especially on the frustrated sorrow of the chorus’ harmonies, but there’s also a groove that keeps it somewhat more radiant than past singles, even if it’s just as bold.
The video for “Scattered Ashes (Song for Richard)” is also a bit more “fun” than past clips. Instead of a steady shot of a single scene, the new video sees a giant malevolent cat armed with laser eyes and canons raining terror upon an unsuspecting city. It’s up to one brave kitty to fight back with his “lazers of love” and save the world.
The track is the latest single from Minor Victories’ self-titled debut album, out June 3rd via Fat Possum/PIAS. The band will support the release with a string of US and European tour dates, which can be found here.
