Photo Credit: Derek Bremner
Gold Key are back with their stunning new album Panic Machine, the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2017 debut album Hello, Phantom. Blending their vast array of influences, from progressive rock, shoegaze and grunge all the way to blackened hardcore, Panic Machine pushes Gold Key‘s sound beyond their comfort zones and confronts life’s big existential questions. Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, the Hertfordshire quartet have taken it upon themselves to release a ‘Live In Isolation’ video for their single Sweet Darkness. You can get an exclusive first look at the video below as we chat to vocalist/guitarist Steve Sears to find out more…
Can you give us your quick elevator pitch on this track? Why does this one standout for you as a band?
This was the first track written for Panic Machine, it also opens the album and our live set. It’s probably the heaviest track we’ve done in the traditional sense so it kicks the new album off with a bang.
How did you tackle the writing process for the song? Was there anything unique about this track compared to your usual/previous approach?
For Panic Machine we isolated ourselves in the Welsh countryside, dropped off with a van full of studio gear and left to our own devices. Our first album was made at my studio over a very long period of time – this one we wanted to be recorded mostly live and within a short time-frame. I think you can hear that in the music.
Can you tell us how the song’s theme came about?
The world can be an odd environment in which to find your purpose, especially right now. It’s something I struggle with a lot, as do most people I imagine. We are constantly bombarded with ideals to strive for, goals to achieve and relentlessly pressured to play certain roles within society.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories from the isolation video shoot?
It’s really weird to be playing this track isolated from each other but we’ve loved the challenge. It’s made me appreciate everyone’s role within the band when it’s all laid bare like this.
Anything else you’d like to add for our readers?
We really hope you enjoy the new album and that it brings you some joy during these crazy times. Stay safe!
Gold Key‘s new album Panic Machine is out now via Venn Records, available to stream or purchase HERE.
