Single Review: Pale Waves - Change

Any new music from Manchester quartet Pale Waves has a lot to live up to. Because, and let’s not mince words here, their debut album was a masterpiece. Overflowing with personality and character, My Mind Makes Noises revolutionised what we thought we knew about synth pop and modernised the sound. Their sophomore LP hits shelves in February next year, and if first single ‘Change’ is anything to go by, we’re in for yet another cracker.

‘Change’ at once pushes the boat out for Pale Waves and retains their signature sound we all know and love. Its verses flirt with Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift-style girl-and-guitar, while its choruses bounce with the pop energy we’ve come to expect by now – but it’s a balance that never once feels forced or inorganic. In fact, it’s probably the track’s biggest strength.

The song also shares the personality and relatability that made My Mind Makes Noises hit so hard for so many. Heather Baron-Gracie’s vocals are, of course, perfectly on point, while her skills with an acoustic guitar are not to be sniffed at. Her voice lends her lyrics a feeling of warmth, even if she’s dealing with tricky subject matter as she is here.

As ever, she’s backed up beautifully by the rest of the band, and everything comes together to make ‘Change’ one of the best tracks we’ve heard from Pale Waves – and February cannot come soon enough.

Words: Matt Taylor