Five albums under their belts and Danish band Mew are still skirting around major success. Their latest single, 'Repeaterbeater', is a confident statement, but it's unlikely to be their breakthrough.
Admittedly more accessible than some of the material on its parent album No More Stories..., 'Repeaterbeater' seems to confuse the listener from the outset. Seven seconds of hard rock drums at the start then give way to more conventional indie guitars and keyboards.
It's as if Mew want to grab your attention immediately, but then apologetically fall into more comfortable territory. That's not to say this is a bad single though; the opening is a curveball that's easily forgotten.
Any song that begins with "Sometimes I got nothing to say, nothing to sing about" should make you want to listen on. In this case it's worth it. Jonas Bjerre's vocals are mesmerising as layers of words float towards you. It's clear that the opening statement is a reaction to lost love and the helplessness he feels because of it.
The swirling guitars and pianos add to the mix, bringing to mind comparisons with the upbeat aspects of Death Cab For Cutie.
By the time two-and-a-half minutes have gone by 'Repeaterbeater' comes to an abrupt end with the same drums that heralded its arrival. It leaves you wanting more, which any good single should. Mew may have a loyal fanbase, but it's unlikely to grow on the strength of this song alone.
Rating: 3/5