aaamusic | On 19, Nov 2012

I’d never heard of Breathless before writing this review. Apparently, they’ve been around for years and years and years…

Led by the beautifully voiced Dominic Appleton, Breathless make some eerie form of chillout alternative rock – an understated fusion of post-punk indie, prog-rock and space-rock. ‘Next Time You Fall’ is the UK quartet’s new single, taken from new album ‘Green to Blue’, and accompanied by b-side ‘I Want You To Realise’ (also from their new album).

‘Next Time You Fall’ (which is included both as a single edit and in full) is a slow-burning electric guitar-rock song. The atmospheric guitar and synth sounds almost recall some form of prog-metal or doom-metal – think Opeth’s ‘Damnation’ record. ‘I Want You To Realise’ contains a more optimistic sound, with light folk drumming and uplifting strings that complement the later, slow guitar noodlings.

Breathless’ layered and emotional music could potentially bore listeners of the most quiet and slow alternative ballads, experimental in their minimalism, were it not for Appleton’s standout breathy and calming vocals. He is surely the sound of sadness.

★★★★★

Clive Rozario