SINGLE REVIEW: 'Vinnetrow Road' | Dutch Criminal Record

Infectious and charismatic in equal measure, South Coast outfit Dutch Criminal Record have spent the best part of 2019 aligning themselves with the most exciting breaking bands in the UK. Recent singles Graduate and Fade Away have already amassed over 250k streams, with the latter being added to Spotify's 'Hot New Bands' playlist. Starting out in 2014 with their eponymous EP, DCR really hit the ground running a year later with the summer anthem everyone should have on their playlists: Socks and Sandals.

"Something is haunting me; it's watching me through my screen..."

Children, teenagers, adults; we're all as obsessed with it as each other. And what exactly is it? Social media. Everything in today's society is to do with likes, comments, follows; nobody looks up from their phones anymore. Sometimes our obsession with tech drives us crazy and we need time away from it, which is exactly what Dutch Criminal Record have portrayed through their new single, Vinnetrow Road.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Mac Demarco and Twin Peaks, this chirpy little number creates a paradox between dreamy, romantic pop music and an arresting evocation of modern life. The new track lovingly channels the 1980's, perfectly combining retro synths and Tears For Fears-esque guitar riffs. The pounding of the drums in the background joined with the quick pace it's done at is representative of the beating of the heart as we have an "information overload." Whilst the lyrics bemoan the stresses of 21st century life and the excessive use of social media, Vinnetrow Road - the rural spot the band practice at - is a safe haven. Whether you're a fan of DCR or not - although, why wouldn't you be? - the message spelled out to us in this track is one crucial to society: take time away. Find your own Vinnetrow Road and allow yourself to breathe.

Over the coming weeks DCR are heading out on a little tour, with Bristol's The Crofters Rights being their next stop on the 18th of this month. Get your seatbelts on: Dutch Criminal Record are going on one hell of a ride in 2020, and they need you there to join them.