Single Review: Pearly Gates ‘Meta’

A scathing indictment of the current state of social media, “META” is the latest offering from Tom Hunt; AKA – Pearly Gates. With a sound that blends ambient electronic soundscapes, smooth synth sounds and aspects of modern era pop, Tom has managed to write something that I think a lot people in and around his generation can relate to. “Socially inept and chronically online” – a concept that will seem all too familiar with anyone that has trouble putting their phone away. 

Tom is really starting to find his niche with this track, whilst some of his previous releases such as “Hadley” and “all night” may have been signposting what was to come, “META” appears to double down on this sort of abstract, hypermodern pop sound which, amongst a grassroots scene that consists primarily of talented indie rock bands, undoubtedly cuts through the noise and plants itself as a firm differential for anyone looking for something “a bit different.”

“I feel so weak to the final sleep, toss and turn, I’m alone, I’m in too deep” – another relatable line that gives credence to the theory that life was simpler and had more life and colour to it before technology turned the saturation down on the world. There are shades of The 1975 in this track, particularly from their “notes on a conditional form” album. That same intense energy that longs for connection in a disconnected world. Overstimulated, high tempo, with lyricism that casts shade on the current state of affairs…

This track from Pearly Gates is going straight into my grassroots music playlist when it releases on August 20th. 

Review by Sam Heppenstall