Pavé: Whatever The Cost – Single Review

Pavé: Whatever The Cost

Self Released

DL | Stream

Out Now

Pavé are back with another slice of attention-grabbing alternative rock as they follow up their debut EP with their latest release, Whatever The Cost.

The Manchester band constantly strive to keep things fresh, examining all facets of the human psyche to dramatic effect, and this is no exception. As they explain, “This track delves into the relentless pursuit of ambition, exploring the sacrifices and extremes people embrace in pursuit of their goals, often becoming so fixated on the destination that they lose sight of their true path.” The result is a powerfully bleak condemnation directed at the subject of their contempt:

‘So you say you’ve seen the light,
But I know the truth,
Nothing could ever satisfy,
The demon in you.’

But despite displaying all their trademark intensity and gravity, Pavé refuse to take the easy option of full-on metal excess and, as ever, keep things accessible, demonstrating their ability to combine the edgier side to their music with melody, soaring chorus and instrumental subtlety to the fore. This contrast is undoubtedly aided by the purity of Alanya Simms’ vocals, which can switch seamlessly between rock power and pop sensitivity. The two aspects are represented within the splendidly paced Whatever The Cost, the brooding ferocity giving way to an almost becalmed middle eight, before the band pick up the pace once more to bring things to an abrupt conclusion.

Pavé never leave the listener feeling short-changed, with each song bearing the hallmarks of unfettered creative energy, attention to detail and sympathetic production. The band seem to be heading down a road of increasingly moody melancholia, albeit delivered with unremitting vigour, yet they are clearly on the side of the good guys with an underlying sense of compassion and empathy. It will be fascinating to see whether they let in a little more light or continue to delve into the darker recesses of the soul. But despite their sometimes serious aspect, the live shows are a blast, a party to celebrate shared humanity in the face of adversity. Catch them soon.

Pavé Linktree

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All words by Robin Boardman. More writing from Robin for Louder Than War can be found at his author’s archive.

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