Single Review: Ventrelles - It’s In The Papers

Ventrelles emerge from North Manchester with It’s in the Papers, a melancholy ditty that feels uniquely Mancunian — simultaneously full of swagger and bravado, yet carrying a bruised ego, stargazing while firmly rooted in the here and now. The track opens with a subtle pull, a melodic undercurrent that immediately marks the band as confident songwriters with a distinct voice. Phil Knox’s vocals sit perfectly atop the instrumental, carrying a calm, detached edge that never lapses into nostalgia but hints at experience and grit.

Musically, the song walks a careful line between indie subtlety and anthemic lift. The bass and drums move with purpose, giving the track momentum without ever feeling forced, while the guitars and melodic lines shift just enough to keep the listener engaged. There’s a sense of space within the arrangement, letting the song breathe while still feeling deliberately structured — a rare balance that gives the track a lived-in authenticity.

There’s a restless energy threaded throughout, a tension between looking back and pushing forward. The melodies flirt with optimism, yet the lyrics maintain a grounded realism, surveying the present with sharp-eyed awareness. Every listen reveals another layer in the band’s craft, whether in the understated instrumental interplay or the precise, evocative vocal delivery. It’s in the Papers confirms that Ventrelles are carving their own corner of the Manchester sound — measured, self-assured, and unapologetically their own.