Loves Arcade - Pavé
Usually, when I do a review for a band, I have some sort of predisposed idea or expectation of what the product is going to be before I listen to it/see the show, but Loves Arcade is a breath of fresh air – literally as it is fresh to my ears and I’m not overly familiar with the band, but is also a bit of a different direction for me as it is lighter and, shall we say, more positive than my usual ventures. In fact, with this track Pavé paint a perfect picture of affection as they ‘change the channel’ on your TV, pulling you away from the noise of the world to instead take you to their peaceful house in the stars.
The Accent is on the <3
My first experience of Pavé was their online promotion that lead up to the announcement of the track: images of the band members with their hands painted blue, covering their senses. The final image shows vocalist Alanya Jade and bassist Leila Sumner posed, kissing in front of the others and immediately I understood that Pavé’s ‘inclusive anthem’ is a dialogue on the idea that love, as a concept and an emotion, has no societal or concrete boundaries and is a universal language that should be celebrated, not restricted. I think this context is incredibly important to understand for first time listeners, as the band’s debut single highly reflects their overall message and puts them on the political playing field as another up-and-coming Manchester band fighting for love and equality with sonic debate and electric waves.
Synergy
The track starts with stripped-back instrumentals and vocals. One of the first things that stood out to me was Jade’s technique, adding a sort-of vocal ‘flick’ (I'm not a vocalist, don't judge my vocab) to the end of her phrasing. I’m not actually certain as to whether it’s a widely used technique or a genre specific thing but I can’t say I’ve heard it used in such a way that Jade does; which is in almost every phrase in the track. This gives the band and Jade a unique and personal sound, though I can’t help but ask myself if it would have a better effect if she held back and performed it less frequently, simply in the interest of preserving progression throughout the song. However, as I’m sat here writing this, I’m wondering whether it is something that defines her vocal style and if it’s a recurring theme in Pavé’s other original tracks too and, equally, how it will translate to live context: will it be more subtle in a louder environment?
Something that Jade does very well is show off her ability to maintain power while exercising her range. Verse-to-chorus transitions see Jade using big vocal bends and the band follow this build well. Loves Arcade’s choruses are more driven and give the track a rockier vibe, and this is reflected even more in the bridge. Pavé are a six-piece. The two guitars complement each other well and, along with keys/synth, fill out the high and middle registers well, not overstepping or sounding too ‘noodley’ or leaving unnecessary space. The contrast between the sections is marked clearly by skilful use of dynamics and tension/release. In an effort to not sound like a formal examiner, simply put; it is a well written song that does everything it needs to sonically. I would also like to touch on Jade’s lyrics: she has a poetic style, mixing metaphoric imagery with the more literal and to-the-point. It is a clear indication that thought has gone into the meaning of the single and that it is a theme the band feel strongly about. It’s a simple point, but that emotional connection adds infinitely more to the legitimacy of Pavé’s image and relevance.
Girls, in Fact, Don't Just Want to Have Fun
In my recent experience, many of the female-fronted acts that I have seen around Manchester tend to be comprised of a singer/songwriter accompanied by a band. Interestingly, this is less common with all-male bands and, in my humble, uneducated mind, I think it could have something to do with female artists wanting/needing more ‘powerful’ roles in the industry. From a young age, and in society in general, is singing perceived as a ‘girly’ thing to do? Maybe, but how about looking at it in a different light: woman employing a group of men. Catalyst state that in 2019, 29% of senior management roles [in general business] are held by women. I would argue that a band is a business and as a vocalist you are fronting and representing the band’s ideals and image. Despite this the ratio of female to male musicians in live music acts are significantly less. Women taking up wider roles in bands is essential and the stigma surrounding certain positions needs to be wiped out. For example; ‘drums and percussion are very physical, aggressive instruments so they should be left to men.’ This view rides on the feminist theory and criticism that it is the man’s job to ‘act’ in any business environment while the woman’s is to ‘appear’. I think that this outdated view has caused the opposite to happen and, by causing and inciting that oppressive stigma, it has and will lead to more female musicians wanting to step up and fill those roles to vent it. I can personally say there are plenty of female drummers, guitarists and bassists who don’t want to simply stand there and ‘look pretty’ so we should stop pushing them down and perhaps judge them on their musical ability instead.
Pavé contribute to subverting this trend simply with their line-up of musicians and I’m interested in where the song-writing responsibilities lie and what each of the members’ roles are beyond the performance aspect. As a final comment on the track’s cultural significance I think that it is possible to extend Loves Arcade’s message to not just be about love’s boundaries, but also to apply it to the workplace, our entertainment and our roles in culture and society.
And With That Rant Out of the Way...
...I can say that I’m excited to see Pavé continue and develop their repertoire and image. You can listen to Loves Arcade on all good streaming services now! I would also like to mention that you can catch Pavé again on the 20th March at Night and Day in Manchester alongside Katie Elizaa, so not only will I get to watch them perform, but we’ll be sharing a stage. If you’d like to work with me, give me feedback or just shout abuse at me, get in touch! The best way for me to see messages is through Instagram.
