Discover Aleutians’ soft indie track of longing and regrets.
Aleutians – ‘Only This Time’
‘The Christmas cards you wrote span the years on the mantelpiece…’ sings one of the lines in ‘Only This Time’ by Aleutians. It’s an example of their achingly nostalgic imagery and thoughtful lyric crafting, and as you might have guessed, this isn’t the story of a love that ended well.
Aleutians are an indie DIY project from New Brighton on the Wirral in the north of England. With one official release under their belt, they’re taking things slow on their music that is reportedly inspired by the ‘mundanity of every day in a coastal town’, yet have received some positive critical notices.
‘Only This Time’ is a wistful mid-tempo indie number, dedicated to the avalanche of what-ifs and if-onlys that arrive after a breakup.
There’s gorgeous lyrical detail in lines like ‘I thought I saw you last night, stepping off the 4.09 with my old shirt tied around your waist’. Echoes of former arguments are evoked – ‘you said you shouldn’t have to compromise’ – but the chorus statement remains wishful – ‘if I could be so bold I’d take it back and try again…only this time I’d know the end.’ This is all delivered with longing melodies and soft heartfelt lead vocals.
The production combines echoing guitar picking, swooping synths and thrumming bass, with sharp beats gradually building the track’s intensity. Cascading guitar lines, whispering backing vocals and even a hint of glockenspiel are nice touches, though the mix could spotlight the lead vocals better. There’s a definite 90s influence, and fans of bands like Death Cab For Cutie and the Boo Radleys should find something to enjoy here.
Discover more from Aleutians
Discover more on RCM
- The 76 Club Hit Hard On ‘Beside Myself’
- Love Radiohead? Here Are 6 Other Bands & Artists You Need To Hear
- Blackchords Return With Connected // Forgotten To Win Our Hearts
- FSOL 56. Allman Brown Feat Liz Lawrence. Sons & Daughters
Words Eden Tredwell
