Indie Blog Scotland - "Man on the Loose" by The Sherlocks

"Man on the Loose" is the first single from The Sherlocks' upcoming fifth studio album, "Everything Must Make Sense!"

The band, active since 2010, is formed of Kiaran Crook (Vocals), Brandon Crook (Drums), Alex Procter (Guitar) and Trent Jackson (Bass), and have grown into something of an indie powerhouse in recent years. Since their debut album in 2017, "Live For The Moment" (featuring the hit single Chasing Shadows) they've found themselves on a steady, progressive rise - playing alongside Shed Seven on their 30th anniversary tour, as well as supporting Keane on their European tour, with several festival slots in 2024.

One thing is absolutely certain when you come across this band for the first time - they know what they're doing. The catchiness of the riffs, the subtle delay on their vocals, the consistent use of a looper pedal to "make that rhythm guitar massive;" they really have everything under their belts. And, in a sea of thousands of indie rock bands, they certainly manage to set themselves apart with this.

So, how much of this distinctive sound carries across to "Man on the Loose" then? All of it.

To open the track we hear an acoustic guitar leading the rhythm of the track, with a non-complex but beautiful riff, as the drums crash in with the rest of the band, as Kiaran begins singing - and we hear the return of that slight, yet effective delay. The key modulation into the pre-chorus is one that is great too, and the chorus itself is so perfectly written for a crowd to sing along to.

And the track continues, with this simple but elegant structure, returning to the huge lead guitars that fans of The Sherlocks have come to love, followed by some near-acapella vocals, allowing a short breather before coming back into the chorus in full swing, and leaving the same way we came.

This is an excellent track, and if it sets the precedent for their upcoming album, The Sherlocks could be very serious challengers for that Number 1 slot. And what a worthy achievement that would be. This is anthemic, has the potential to fill stadiums and arenas across the country, and is generally massive.

14 years into their careers, it looks brighter than ever - and with the band themselves saying this is their best album yet, I daresay we're in for a treat.

Hats off to the boys from Bolton upon Dearne.

Overview

Continuing with their distinctive sound

Very catchy and singable chorus

Brilliantly structured

Strengths

Weaknesses

Just lacks a tiny bit of that edge that made me fall in love with the band in the first place