Single Review: Kashmere - Drive

Few modern artists can successfully break away entirely from their original sound – but that’s exactly what Manchester indie quartet Kashmere have done. Their latest works of shimmering, synth-driven pop are far removed from their indie rock roots, and carry an almost ethereal beauty about them. New singles ‘Drive’ and ‘I Wish I Was Still Alive’ are buoyed along by excellent vocals from Joey Newey, toe-tapping drum work from Andy Law, dance-inducing guitar riffs from Charlie Cole, and powerful basslines from Freddie Hughes.

Of the two new tracks, ‘Drive’ is the lead single – and it’s very easy to see why. The song is easily up there with some of Kashmere’s best work, at once capturing both the relaxing synth riffs of ‘Tokyo’ and the whirlwind-romance feelings of ‘Codeine.’ Combine all this with Newey’s ever-catchy hooks, and it’s hard not to be swept along in its rhythm.

‘I Wish I Was Still Alive’ might not be quite as good as ‘Drive,’ but it’s still an excellent track in its own right. It feels open and optimistic, and there’s a yearning for life that echoes through its lyrics. Paired together the songs are some of the best we’ve seen from Kashmere so far, and we can certainly hope that more great stuff is right around the corner for them.

Words: Matt Taylor