WRITTEN BY OSCAR ORTEGA
✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩
Photo by Liam Maxwell
Throughout Isla Rico’s recent single “Waterhole,” images of beach days and long drives through the coast can’t help but make themselves visible. Part of that is due to rhythm guitarist Harvey Rafferty’s laid-back guitar backing, with singer Callum Richards’ smooth vocals painting the track with a warm hue. Another part is lead guitarist Jasper Whitehead’s soaring guitar solo on the bridge as drummer Charlie Phillips and bassist Brad Hull go full throttle. And given how the track centers on the freedom you have when controlling your own future, the track’s infectious summer energy perfectly reflects that.
Following their single “Favour The Brave” released earlier this year, the Manchester five-piece come back doing what they do best, writing punchy rock songs inspired by an eclectic mix of hard rock, ‘90s alternative and indie rock. Whether it’s Haul’s melodic bassline in the verse or Phillips’ indefatigable drumming towards the end, Isla Rico understands how to make a track sound sleek and grand without foregoing their indie pop roots.
On “Waterhole,” Isla Rico finds themselves reinvigorated by the idea of taking control of your own future. It’s very easy to fall into a state of listlessness when nothing seems to go your way, but Isla Rico rejects this and posits that your future is what you make of it. “If I’m walking free, it’s freedom/That’s good enough for me,” Richards sings on the chorus, his voice expelling this feeling through a volley of powerful belts. This line perfectly captures the freewheeling attitude Isla Rico presents; freedom is a gift, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
“Waterhole” serves as the culmination of Isla Rico’s discography. Meshing their original indie pop roots and their newfound penchant for sonically-dense guitar melodies, “Waterhole” is a step towards a brighter future, one that Isla Rico has complete control over.
