Cuffed Up have begun their journey towards notoriety in earnest. Off the strength of their recent self-titled, self-released EP, the band have signed with Royal Mountain Records, home to Wild Pink, Alvvays, Islands and many more.
To mark the occasion, they’ve shared their latest single, “Canaries”, which has their greatest strengths on full display. Namely, much of the band’s power comes from the interplay between dueling vocalists Ralph Torrefranca and Sapphire Jewell, with the latter taking charge here with her counterpart providing support.
The track is catchy and riotous at once, finding time for slicing riffs and pounding drums betwixt Jewell’s commanding presence. The band lands in a sweet, balanced spot between punk and alternative, splitting the difference between the likes of Sonic Youth and Placebo. Suffice to say, there’s a little something for anyone with even a passing interest in their chosen sounds.
Speaking on the song, they say:
““Canaries” is about going down a path that you know is wrong but you keep going because some form of shame is driving you. You’ve put warnings in place, like the canaries, but ignore them when they alert you of danger. Sometimes we become numb to the burdens we carry, like the sensation of needles when you cut off circulation. Eventually, we need to come to the realization that “truth is heavier than lies”, that it’s easier to roll over than fight your way out.”
Check the video for “Canaries” out below, or listen to the song on streaming platforms.
