Inspired by and written at a river, “River Song” is the first track off No Telescopes’ debut album — so it’s certainly a striking introduction. A pulsating synth beeping coincides with guitar trickles and reverbed vocals to begin, growing gradually with flashes of strings and shimmering electric guitars. Just around the one-minute mark, brisk guitars and rhythms pick up the pace considerably. It then transitions into a gorgeous scaling-back around 01:23, a serene blast of gauzy alternative-rock. Alternating back again into the semi-proggy briskness, the contrast between intensity in these sections makes for a very lively sound. The second half adds some exciting string-laden emotion into the mix, Electric Light Orchestra-style. It shows some truly remarkable songwriting, one impressive for any group — and especially one saying their first hello. Integrating numerous styles with supreme melodic wit, this is an act to keep an eye on for sure.
