London alternative four-piece Sterling Press give us their self-released debut single “Very Fun Times”, and it is a horn-fuelled indie banger. Tackling the growing pains of adolescence, the track is an upbeat expression of fitting in, people-pleasing and the internal conflict that can create. Themes we can all relate to. “Very Fun Times” has a Blur-tinged open but swiftly moves into its own groove. I mean how many young bands at the moment have trumpets driving the vibe? It works perfectly as the horns lead a change in gear mid-track which make this an indie stomper with a twist. The final blast of the trumpets at the end is pure joy.
Commenting on the single drummer Lucien Ismael explains “It’s about someone trying to fit in. They haven’t yet discovered what they like so instead, they follow the same trends as everyone else to feel good about themselves. They come off as one thing but get paranoid about not fitting in, so they slot themselves into whatever gap they can find. They’ll say anything to please anyone.”
Formed in West London at the beginning of 2020, Sterling Press is the collaboration of Ed Higgins (guitar, vocals), Greg Smith (guitar, vocals), Marlon Reynier (bass, vocals) and Lucien Ismael (drums).
The band spent 2020 recording and further releases are planned for 2021 plus discussions for an album are well underway. But of course, it is gigging that the band is missing the most. They cannot wait to get back out in front of the audience asap, and THAT will be Very Fun Times indeed…