Rhys Holbrook began his solo recording project Occasional Spectators back in 2018.
Having previously only produced instrumental tracks, Occasional Spectators showcases a step in a new direction, and an experimentation of the world of vocal performance and production.
A gritty blend of industrial electronic elements – inspired by the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode – and alternative rock dramatic sensibility, Break Off From The Rest Of Them is an eerie, inspiring and motivating track.
In a follow up to his sophomore record Beauty Lies In Pressing On, Break Off From The Rest Of Them is an ode to staying faithful to oneself.
A urging to embrace uniqueness and escape the omnipresent expectations and formulated nature of our society.
With a mentality of rejecting the establishment, Occasional Spectators channel the rebellious legacy of punk and alternative rock, while leaning heavily into the synthetic sound of the eighties, and the distorted industrial rock of the nineties and early 2000s.
With vocals clearly influenced by the earlier cited Depeche Mode as well as a tinge of New Order, Holbrook has found a pocket for his melodic exploration and performance that seems to suit him perfectly.
After an acoustic venture with Beauty Lies In Pressing On, Break Off From The Rest Of Them is an intentional return to the earlier, original Occasional Spectators sound.
Synths, distorted and fuzzed up guitars, incisive beats and disorientating organs make the bed of this new single.
Grungy and dirty, fit for a rave during the back end of the nineties, Break Off From The Rest Of Them is equally as unsettling as it is hypnotizing.
Chugging bass beneath manipulated vocals arm Holbrook with his captivating presence; unique and recognisable all at once.
Where the song is at its most unnerving, Holbrook is there to guide us, reminding us that we have a choice in the path we follow and the steps we take to get to our own personal nirvana.
Break Off From The Rest Of Them is all flashing lights and distorted mirrors, though with a hand reaching out to guide you through the worst of it.
Listen to Break Off From The Rest Of Them below.
Review By Caitlin Norris
