Echo and the Bunnymen’s Brussels is Haunted: Ageing Like Fine Wine

Echo and the Bunnymen’s last single was 2014, which was also their last studio release. With that in mind, you can understand my surprise when I saw a new single. Part of the alt movement with The Smiths, The Cure and Toad the Wet Sprocket in the 80s / early 90s, the Bunnymen were known for glittery guitar and rich vocals. Let’s see if this early Brit Pop invasion band still has it.

First off, the musicality is perfect. The arrangement is tight with no wasted time or wasted notes. That classic 80s / 90s Brit Pop guitar is fantastic and out there glittering in the sun. It just that fun shimmering guitar that you found in early Smiths and Cure. I love the arrangement in this track. It is fun, sunny and…since the 90s are back in style…feels very current. I think the rebirth of the 90s sound in pop, punk and R&B has made that early 90s alt sound quite modern. They were ahead of their time in the 90s, but right at home with modern music. This gives a band that formed in 1978 a fresh sound. I love how music always cycles back on itself.

Vocally, the band is not quite at the same level as the 80s and 90s, which is to be expected. Ian McCulloch’s vocals don’t quite reach the lush depths as it did before, but that’s not a bad thing. He has a more raw and modern indie pop vibe to it, which works really well. Some fans may miss those deep notes, but I think his vocal has aged very well and sits well within this indie-esque vibe. A classic early Brit Pop theme is sunny bright music with depressing and dark lyrics. The Bunnymen get a big tick there. The song is about how a place can hold the scars of the past, which is similar to how we can carry the scars of the past. Brussels isn’t rebuilt, but haunted. The contrast between happy music and dark lyrics gave me Smiths vibes and I love it.

This is an outstanding comeback single for the Bunnymen, which came out at the right time. With 80s and 90s alt pop getting back in style the Bunnymen are right there. I think this track really excels musically and it has something for fans and newcomers alike. With outstanding albums from the Cure, Pulp, Elbow and now Echo and the Bunnymen…alt Brit Pop is back baby!!

Listen to Brussels is Haunted