Tribes Announce Split

Earlier today, Tribes announced their split. This came with great sadness to me as I have been a huge fan of their music for such a long time, I have also had the pleasure of seeing them live twice.

I have always been absolutely bewildered as to how they have not blown up big time as I believe they are pretty much the best new band of the past couple of years. They have graced us with two absolutely brilliant albums, 'Baby' and 'Wish to Scream,' along with a couple of stellar EPs which are all full to the brim with musical gems. For these reasons, I have decided to commemorate the loss of one of my favourite bands by giving you a run down of my top 10 favourite songs of theirs... Call it the bereavement process!

image: areasonablegoodear.com

10. Nightdriving

One of the slower paced tracks from 'Baby,' this song is near perfect. With its steady drums and effortless guitars, not to mention its honest and powerful lyrics of 'what use is God if you can't see him?' Which is something I have always loved about Tribes.

9. Walking in the Street

I love the opening drums to this track, it starts off so upbeat but like most Tribes tracks, builds up to a darker, more powerful chorus. For sure one of their most credible tracks.

8. Dancehall

This track was the second release of their second album, 'Wish To Scream.' Its delicate instrumentals, primarily piano, and beautiful lyrics combine to make one of the best tracks on the album. This record really does emphasise Johnny Lloyd's undeniable genius.

7. When My Day Comes

This is probably Tribes' most upbeat and fast paced track (as well as being the centre of the horrendous pun in the title of this post). It is definitely a stand out track when played live, especially at Leeds Festival earlier this year. Again, Lloyd's lyrics are on form and the poignant riffs are just exquisite!

6. How the Other Half Live

This track is just made to be played to massive crowds clapping along to the drums. 'How the Other Half Live' could easily be the work of a bigger, more established band.

5. Whenever

Another brilliant song to see live, this track is the opener to Tribes' debut album 'Baby,' and what a brilliant opener it is! With its distinctive bass, another fantastic feat for Johnny Lloyd's ridiculously good lyric writing skills.

4. Himalaya

One of their most beautiful tracks full stop. Cannot even explain my love for this song. So simple yet so amazing, its main asset has to be its undeniably beautiful lyrics.

3. Girlfriend

This song is ridiculously good. Its gritty and honest lyrics (we're seeing a pattern here) and infectious riffs are just impossible not to sing along to.

2. Sappho

I think this is the first Tribes song I ever listened to. It is an absolute anthem like the rest of them and It will always be one of my favourite songs. I love how it builds up into such a powerful track, something that Johnny Lloyd and the boys have affirmed themselves as absolute masters of.

1. Coming of Age

Despite my 'take it or leave it' attitude towards acoustic tracks, this song is definitely an exception. Containing some of Lloyd's most credible lyrics yet, the simplicity of the good old fashioned acoustic guitar seems to do them justice. This track definitely fills me with anticipation for the solo work Johnny has promised, even if we do have to lose such a great band for it.