SINGLE REVIEW: Project Nevada – Want Me To Be

Throughout the ups and downs of Liverpool’s history as a music city, there’s one genre that’s persevered to endure, and that’s indie. From the trumpeting fiesta of Red Rum Club, to the danceable pop sounds of The Wombats, even when the music scene of Liverpool felt strained, indie was there to keep things alive.

Carving a niche in that scene, however, is what separates the good from the exciting. Project Nevada’s energetic and expansive sound places them firmly in the latter category; the five-piece outfit deftly wield a blend of indie, synth-rock and new wave, culminating in a style that both revels in rock’n’roll nostalgia, whilst updating these classic sounds for modern audiences. Having released two EPs since their formation in 2019, the band are now moving on to a new era with their latest single, ‘Want Me To Be’, releasing August 17th.

Percussion races by with shuffling dance-rock rhythms, overlayed with ska-like guitar riffing and playful bass lines. The vocal lines in the verses are simple and punchy, before exploding into wonderfully anthemic choruses, with gorgeous harmonies and sparse keys backing up the fantastically catchy lead melody; it feels shockingly grand and sweeping, brushing aside any accusations that could possibly be levelled about Project Nevada being ‘just another indie band’. 

Everything here, from the track’s hurtling pace that drags you along to the dance floor with it, to the fantastic vocal delivery that only adds to just how the fun the track is experience, feels fresh and vivid, taking the band’s inspirations and making those ideas feel exciting and unique. Vocalist Tom Austin carries his voice with a self-aware swagger, wry in its humour and deeply compelling to listen to (the ‘it’s not even a question’ bar in the chorus is a particularly fun moment, slung at the listener with self-aware sass), not to mention those aforementioned harmonies demonstrating that Spencer Murphy knows just how and when to utilise their backing vocals to provide a full and rich sonic experience.

To kick off a new era of their band, it’s hard to imagine Project Nevada choosing a better way to both reward current fans and hook in new ones. ‘Want Me To Be’ is the infectious anthem that so many bands wish they could write, and a track that feels guaranteed to take this outfit places. Get ready to have this track on repeat.

‘Want Me To Be’ by Project Nevada releases 17/08/2023. The track can be presaved here.

For Fans Of: The 1975, Arctic Monkeys, The Royston Club, Blossoms 

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Bandcamp