Regular readers of this blog will likely be familiar with JW Paris, a band we first featured in 2022 when they invited us to get grungey under their ‘Electric Candle Light’. Now they return with a new single, ‘Anything’.
JW Paris – Anything
Three years on, and they still sound rare. Rare because they are a band and rare because they make gloriously grunge-infused, indie, rock n roll. We’re here for it. Discover more on our playlist, The Great Indie Revival. Unlike most neo-indie bands, JW Paris have a link to the last great indie scene moment, with drummer Gemma Clark previously playing with Baby Shambles.
‘Anything’ is the first track to come from the band’s forthcoming EP. It’s a track that feels like it could have been lifted directly from my iPod in the 90s as I scurried between the Astoria and The 100 Club. Fans of Modern Life Is Rubbish era Blur or the debut self-titled album from Elastica might just feel one of those little neck tingles.
This single perfectly captures the energy and attitude of Soho in Britpop’s heyday. Lyrically, it explores possibility, identity and the blurring line between dreams and nightmares. “I could be anything, but everything is nothing… If dreaming was a reality, then my nightmares would look a little bit like you.”
The lyrical refrain of spinning “around and around” perfectly captures the dizzying rush of youth and the claustrophobia of trying to live up to somebody’s expectations.
It’s worth remembering that indie and grunge last made an appearance as a time of disenfranchisement and economic decline, and as this generation battles increasing chaos and uncertainty, who’s to say that JW Paris could just herald the next wave and become the soundtrack to the future?
“JW Paris continues to impress on Anything, a single that simultaneously recalls the past and welcomes the future.”
JW Paris is a growing force picking up streams and radio support from BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, Radio X, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. They also shared a stage with Coldplay at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekender in 2024, which briefly catapulted them into virality. If you are new to this band, take some time to listen back to the singles you have missed.
Discover more from JW Paris
Discover more on Right Chord Music
- JW Paris Want You To Feel Alive
- Get Grungey Under JW Paris’ ‘Electric Candle Light’
- JW Paris Get Self Reflective On Leave It Alone
- Next Wave. Five Essential New Indie Rock Bands
Words Mark Knight
