INTRODUCING: André

After he released Do Whatchya Wanna in February this year, André (solo project of André Vanderwert from Pencil and Hot Palms) is back already with debut single ‘Friends’ from his upcoming album Smooth Move.

If the promo pictures are to be believed, André is nothing but a tousle-haired bandit afflicted with a thousand-yard stare, who never strays far from his trusty motorised stallion. Along with his band, which features members of the Ocean Party, Soda Eaves and Hot Palms, he makes slow-burners heavy on the fuzz and meandering guitar solos.

Previous single ‘Mend’ was one of my favourite tracks of 2013; its washed-out cynicism permeating every chord change and crack in Vanderwert’s delivery. ‘Friends’ is executed in similar style, with Vanderwert crooning, ‘You know it isn’t easy to be your friend’. It’s perhaps less nihilistic than the chorus of ‘Mend’ – ‘I’m staring at the ceiling’ – but it’s up there.

Facebook