Brighton based indie rock band, Hybrid Kid have recently released their fifth single Close Up. The three-piece offer an experimental edge on the traditional three-minute song structure. With hooky riffs and tonnes of reverb, Hybrid Kid are the perfect example of well-seasoned songwriting and musicianship. Close Up is Hybrid Kid’s fifth release and follow up from their debut album The Minor Escapes. 

Who are Hybrid Kid?

Having played together for numerous years across the UK and US, Hybrid Kid have accumulated an impressive back catalogue of tracks. Comprised of Danny (guitar/vocals), Tim (bass), and Mattia (drums), the south coast rockers have amassed coverage spanning worldwide through college radio stations and home coverage through the likes of Radio Reverb, Radio X and a live set on Latest TV.

Close Up has instant appeal. A bouncy bassline opens the song with an energy that can only be described as infectious. The kicking drumbeat and jangly guitar lead you to unknowingly bop your head, something that you find you cannot stop, these combined make it clear that this track is going to be huge.  

The walking bassline acts as a perfect lead in to the first verse. Taking a slight dip in energy the song mellows out to let the vocal melody become the forefront of the track. Now this melody was not really what I was expecting after listening to the opening of the track, however, it is one that I really like. With a more punchy delivery than what is usually heard in indie music, but still having a smooth edge, Close Up really plays well into the band’s claims of experimenting with traditional styles. 

Before you know it the chorus comes crashing through by bringing back the energy that was building at the start of the track. This acts as an interesting contrast to the verse heard just seconds before and brings the song into a new wave of vitality. The chorus as a whole is very catchy,  and although you will not be learning the words so easily to this track, the melody and the bassline will definitely be stuck in your head for days to come. 

The song then lowers down again into the verse in a way which is quite satisfying. The jangly guitar works as a transition between sections and brings a sense of resolution for the energised chorus. 

The bridge is where Close Up turns from a good song into something quite sensational. A change in pace and tone is really not expected from a track that has had bouts of energy throughout. The guitar moves away from its previous jangle to become more delicate with a loop of softer picking. 

Ending with a classic fade-out Close Up is an excellent example of indie rock done right. It is refreshing to see a different take on what can be a genre oversaturated with songs that follow the traditional three-minute structure.

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Listen to Close Up on Spotify

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