The Dead Collective return and while new single ‘Cracks’ finds singer/guitarist Oli Brown still lighting their way creatively, his name no longer prefixes the band name, albeit the significant components of Sam Wood and Wayne Proctor remain in place.
“‘Cracks’ is a painfully raw track of honest self-reflection, descending into resentment and rage, lyrically unravelling the weight of being burdened by scars, shame, and a sense of failure. Intertwining between a delicate and haunting introspection, to a cacophony of rage and fury,” the band noted, further adding: “It’s explosive and cathartic, while closing on a failing sense of acceptance.”
Explosive crackling riffs, brief doomy passages and acoustic melodies all play their part as Brown‘s voice calls out in anguish, reflection and anger. Others have noted his vocals are reminiscent of the likes of Jeff Buckley and Chris Cornell, so new listeners would do well to hone in on this. The music itself is atmospheric alternative rock with a lot of soul.
The single is out now, taken from a forthcoming EP, the format The Dead Collective have preferred in the past. There’s also talk of an album in the pipeline and, more importantly for those who’ve caught them live before, a new UK tour that runs throughout April and into May.
‘Cracks’ is available now and you can check out the lyric video below.
Initially recognised as a blues musician, the young Oli Brown won several awards as Best Guitarist, Best Band, and Best Singer at the British Blues Awards, supporting the likes of Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, John Mayall and Buddy Guy. Craving a change in musical direction, he formed the rock band RavenEye, supporting the likes of Slash, Aerosmith, The Darkness and Halestorm on tour. During the worldwide covid lockdown, Brown took to writing, now blending both his original influences alongside distinctive alternative roots sounds, resulting in his next musical chapter, initially as Oli Brown & The Dead Collective.
Respected record producer and former drummer with award-winning blues rock band King King, Wayne Proctor has been part of The Dead Collective since the start, as has Sam Wood, known for his work with Wayward Sons and Black Star Riders, who recently stepped up to temporarily fill in for Mick Box on Uriah Heep‘s Scandinavian leg of their Magician’s Farewell Tour.
The Dead Collective will be joined on their forthcoming UK tour by Scottish rock band Anchor Lane, who in turn will be preceded by an acoustic set from Kim Jennett.
THE DEAD COLLECTIVE UK TOUR
Thurs 16th April: The Crauford Arms, Milton Keynes
Fri 17th April: The Waterfront Studio, Norwich
Sat 18th April: Bodega, Nottingham
Sun 19th April: The Key Club, Leeds
Thurs 23rd April: The O2 Academy Islington 2, London
Fri 24th April: The Patriot, Crumlin
Sat 25th April: The Cobblestones, Bridgwater
Sun 26th April: The Junction, Plymouth
Wed 29th April: The Attic, Glasgow
Thurs 30th April: The Waterloo, Blackpool
Fri 1st May: The Flapper, Birmingham
Sun 3rd May: Live Rooms, Chester
