‘Terra’ is the first solo track from Bombay Bicycle Club bass player Ed Nash, and it really is something quite special.
Produced by Beach House, ‘Terra’ wears it’s influences on it’s sleeve. It possesses that Bombay Bicycle Club other-worldly charm, and it is abundant with mesmerising vocal melodies not dissimilar to those of Silversun Pickups and Smashing Pumpkins. It is dreamy and atmospheric like Public Service Broadcasting, and it is cinematic and epic like Explosions In The Sky.
Despite all of this, there are indescribable qualities to ‘Terra’ which render it different and unique to all the rest. It is strange and spiritual, mystical and unearthly in a way which is distinctive and peculiar. Everything about it is measured and precise. It opens with the sound of heavy breathing, before systematically adding and then removing each layer one at a time.
Often with songs like this, it is easy to fall into the trap of writing something a bit wishy-washy and lacking in potency. Toothless avoids this obstacle with ease, creating something which is beautiful, powerful and moving.
Revealing that Bombay Bicycle Club won’t be back for another couple of years, Nash has plans to continue working with producer Chris Coady, and hopes to release an album towards the end of the year.
‘Terra’, Nash’s debut single, is released on 13th May, via Transgressive/PradaYse Records (Marika Hackman/Spring King/Blaenavon) digitally, and on ltd. edition 7” vinyl.