Nottingham-based quartet Divorce is making waves with their debut album, “Drive to Goldenhammer.” Their distinctive blend of chamber pop, folk, alt-country, and indie rock sets them apart in a music climate saturated with hyper pop and gritty guitar bands. The album’s title alludes to an aspirational journey toward an imagined sanctuary. Guitarist and vocalist Felix Mackenzie-Barrow describes Goldenhammer as “a home that doesn’t really exist,” representing the band’s collective pursuit of an idealized refuge.
This theme of seeking and transformation is woven throughout the album. “All My Freaks,” a standout track, is a vibrant, synth-infused satire that takes on the egotism prevalent in the music industry. It parodies the rise of a fictional up-and-coming artist to tragi-comic effect, showcasing the band’s wit and ability to tackle serious themes with a lighthearted touch.
“Pill” exemplifies Divorce’s genre-blending prowess, seamlessly transitioning through various musical landscapes. Vocalist and bass player Tiger Cohen-Towell notes that it explores themes of sexual awakening and the exhilaration of being truly seen, reflecting personal experiences that add depth to the track. The band’s debut long player provides a wider canvas to exhibit their versatility.
Cohen-Towell’s expressive vocals and bass lines, Mackenzie-Barrow’s guitar work and vocal harmonies, Adam Peter Smith’s deft guitar and synth playing, and Kasper Sandstrøm’s dynamic drumming create a cohesive unit that thrives on collaboration and diverse talent.
Exploring themes of seeking refuge
The production, helmed by renowned producer Catherine Marks, captures the band’s raw energy and authenticity.
Marks balances the quirks and charm of the band’s initial ideas with a polished final product, retaining spontaneity and impulse. Tracks like “Fever Pitch,” “Hangman,” and “Where Do You Go” inhabit their own worlds—dramatic vignettes playing out in real-time while propelling the album forward. The variety of sounds, alt-country sensibilities, pop theatrics, and eclectic mix of influences feel invigorating, experimental, yet accessible.
While “Drive to Goldenhammer” is a commendable debut, there are moments where the band’s ambitious genre-blending could benefit from more cohesion. Some tracks traverse so many musical terrains that they risk losing a sense of unified direction. However, this exploratory approach exemplifies Divorce’s fearless creativity and willingness to take risks.
Divorce’s artistic vision is undoubtedly compelling. The album’s rich tapestry of sounds and themes invites listeners on a journey that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable. “Drive to Goldenhammer” sees the quartet plant strong roots, demonstrating that their combination of talent, originality, and introspection has the potential to journey anywhere they wish.