Cork band Bowden have released their new single, Undertow, from their upcoming album, Glacier, which is out in May. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
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It follows their first two singles, Peel and Everyone, which saw them voted Best New Act by Spotify's The Cork Playlist.
Speaking about the new track, the band say, "In the end, it’s not just about letting go. It’s about surviving the pull and finding out what’s left on the other side."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Ger would prefer to go without food than get rid of his guitar pedals. Padraig is a hill sheep farmer. Our first gig was in the legendary Mike The Pies in Listowel.
How would you describe your music?
We're a five-piece alt-rock band, guitars, bass, synths, drums. Not jangly enough to be indie and not heavy enough to be metal. In amongst that then, we're definitely a mixture of our influences. Nothing intentional at all, that's just what tends to happen I suppose. So, you'll probably hear little bits of Pavement, Villagers, Radiohead. Or maybe you'll hear none of that. It's definitely alt-rock anyway
Who are your musical inspirations?
There's so, so many but honestly I've yet to hear anyone quite like Elliott Smith. He was like a one man Beatles. The melodies he weaved from thin air were absolutely stunning. Also, I love the passion of Neutral Milk Hotel. The worlds of The Flaming Lips, Midlake, and Big Star. Then of course you can't help but be inspired by what Irish acts are up to at the moment, CMAT is just on another level with her songwriting, Fontaines are basically the biggest band in the world and there are dozens of other absolute class acts like The Murder Capital, Just Mustard, Pillow Queens etc etc etc.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
If you're talking about a proper gig it was Bombay Bicycle Club down in the Forum in Waterford I think. They were doing a tour of Ireland playing towns they wouldn’t normally hit and I was just on another level of excitement to get to see them play live in the flesh. I vividly remember queuing up and then rushing to the front of the barrier the second I got in. They were great. Blagged a setlist too!
What was the first record you ever bought?
For me, I think for me it was one of those Now That's What I Call Music albums! I could lie and say it was Neil Young or Charles Mingus, but it's out there now. Oh well, I'm a pop tart at heart.
What’s your favourite song right now?
MJ Lenderman's She's Leaving You. Can't get enough of it. I predict I'll ruin it on myself by listening to it too much. Can't be helped though!
Favourite lyric of all time?
"She appears composed, so she is, I suppose" from Waltz #2 by Elliott Smith.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Haha. Well, that would be pure torture, wouldn't it? TBH I'm not sure if I’d like to stay sane in that scenario so maybe I'd stick on Ed Is A Portal by Akron/Family on loop which would help ease me from the path of sanity. I mean, life without music is a tough sell.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You'll find Bowden on Spotify/Apple Music/Deezer etc. We're on Instagram and twitter @bowdenband and bowdenofficial.com. Give us a shout if you'd like at bowdenband@gmail.com, we'd love to hear from you.
Alan Corr
