SINGLE REVIEW: Take Breath – Promise Me

Whilst a band’s size is never indicative of their worth, it is frankly shocking that Take Breath have yet to see a true breakthrough moment. The trio have been hard at work since 2020, with a steady stream of singles accompanied by a wonderful debut EP and plenty of powerful live performances. Their sound is unique, their approach is sincere, and their work ethic is impressive, so it’s a real shame that they seem to be getting missed by so many. That, however, could be about to change.

What this band have produced here is not only the perfect entry point for them, but possibly their finest work to date. ‘Promise Me’ marks a real change in Take Breath’s style; instead of pensive rumination and ambience, this track sees them perform with a ferocity and decisiveness that works shockingly well.

Huge, down-tuned and distorted guitars slam into the listener with both aggression and groove, before unfurling into expansive choruses that are decorated with sparkling synths and thunderous percussion. A stuttering breakdown in the back half feels somewhat reminiscent of late 00’s metalcore in all of the right ways.

Vocalist Fynn Gillion sounds better than ever before, with a new theatrical flair in his vocal delivery that catapults the track into a whole different level of brilliance. There’s a desperation and a venom to it all, as Gillion weaves between crushing screamed vocals and his trademark soaring melodies. The penmanship is still as artistic as it was previously, but know with a fierce sharpness that makes it all the more cathartic (‘When was the last time you saw me without the bags under my eyes?/When was the last time you saw me at all?’).

Take Breath have already indicated that ‘Promise Me’ marks a point of real evolution for them both musically and artistically. It’s a real risk, especially for a band with such a clear identity already. However, if ‘Promise Me’ is anything to go by, then this could be the band’s most confident and exciting era yet, and they may well finally truly break into the alternative consciousness.

For Fans Of: Thornhill, Sleep Token, Void Of Vision, Thrown, Love Is Noise

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify