86TVs – 86TVs

86TVs may only have one EP and a few singles to their name, but the quartet has quite the music background. Hugo, Felix and Will White, formerly known for their work with The Maccabees, and drummer Jamie Morrison of both Noisettes and Stereophonics, join forces to start fresh. When one door closes, another opens; with the knowledge gained from their already successful careers, 86TVs has the potential to take things further, especially considering what they have already shown with EP You Don’t Have to Be Yourself Right Now – those four songs gave the world a taste of what 86TVs can be. Their highly anticipated debut album has been in the works since 2023 when the record’s first ever single was posted, and now, on 2^nd August, the full collection will show the world what 86TVs is capable of.

On this self-titled record, the four focus on the complexities of life and how relationships can change things for the better. Modern Life, for example, sets the scene perfectly. As soft, yet energetic beats bring the album to life and their vocals merge wonderfully, the band poses a hypothetical question to not only listeners but to themselves: “What is life?”. Although it may seem broad at first, the band dives deeper with each song. Whether it be the necessary affirmations one gives themselves as they enter adulthood, like in Tambourine, or taking a calm approach to seeing what life has to offer like in Days of Sun, 86TVs eventually uncover that growing up is just a myth. 

Some tracks may seem less lyrically dense, but the message within them is still evident and well put, like in Higher Love, which discusses a relationship that did not go as planned. Throughout the album, 86TVs prove that poignant prose does not have to dominate each and every moment that passes; less can be more, in the end. They do show off their songwriting ability in great ways as well; in New Used Car, which is a major highlight both in sound and word, the group shows versatility as they become more vulnerable and take their metaphor usage to a whole new level. The song’s verses compare elements of nature to paint an intense picture for listeners; in the chorus, repetition portrays how the band is convincing themselves that this relationship, no matter how much it hurts in the end, does not define them. Komorebi is an even greater example of this, where the more serene instrumentation emphasises the main message that doubles up on that from New Used Car. Generally, no matter the song, 86TVs are able to connect stories to one another with unique angles, which, in turn, makes for a full circle moment as the debut wraps up with the slow and calm, yet powerful Dreaming and eerie Living Is a Drag.

86TVs have a certain nostalgia that is difficult to find in the music industry today; on this record, the four take listeners back in time to sounds from the early 2010s. The indie-folk rock atmosphere made famous by The Lumineers, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, Lord Huron and Hozier has not necessarily been forgotten, but its revival has yet to happen. Now, 80s synth seems to fuel the charts. 86TVs, however, move to the beat of their own drum as they revisit what was once beloved. On this debut, producer Stephen Street, who has worked with The Maccabees, Blur and Suede previously, works hand in hand with the band to add a new perspective on what direction to take for the album. The brothers have also cited that their new drummer, Morrison, has allowed songs that have been in the works for years to become fully realised. Modern Life shows this right off the bat with a full and heavy focus on the strums of acoustic and rhythmic guitars, instrument solo breaks and loud vocals that couple with the deep drums to better intensify the lyrics. Each song follows suit, even Komorebi that has an entirely different approach sonically. 

Overall, this is a very strong debut for the group. 86TVs is quite lengthy for a first album, and although some tracks could have been left out due to the already existing EP to make a more detailed curation, the highlights shine through. Many of the standout tracks already establish the mood, theme and intended sound early within the record perfectly, meaning the rest can feel a bit drowned out in comparison. Regardless, 86TVs have a lot to be proud of. Their past did them well, but their future is bright considering their unique return to the hipster rock sound of the past decade; this rush of nostalgia is much appreciated, and will certainly take them far.

Taryn Crowley
Image: Louise Mason

86TVs is released on 2^nd August 2024. For further information or to order the album visit 86TVs’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Tambourine here: