ME REX share latest single “Canada Water” ahead of next week’s ‘Smilodon’ EP

News

24 Apr

One of our absolute faves ME REX, the London and Brighton-based trio known for their distinctive blend of introspective lyricism and expansive soundscapes. Have just released their latest single, "Canada Water" ahead of their eagerly anticipated Smilodon EP which is due to drop on 1 May.

"Canada Water" a re-imagining of a track from the band’s Woolly Rhino EP is meticulously crafted and highlights ME REX’s innovative approach to songwriting. The song’s title and inspiration stem from the daily commute of band member Myles McCabe through the Canada Water station in London. The unique challenge of writing lyrics that alternate with the letters C and W has led to a deeply textured narrative, blending personal reflection with a broader commentary on routine and its impact on our psyche.

The single taps into a range of emotions, weaving McCabe's reflections on daily transit into a larger metaphorical fabric that discusses routine's wear on personal identity and emotional well-being. It's a testament to the band's ability to transform everyday experiences into profound musical expressions.

Talking about the single McCabe shared:

“When I worked in a restaurant in central London I used to pass through Canada Water every day on the way in. I loved something about the name, the way it looked and the structure and repetition of the sounds. So much so I set myself a challenge to write a song with words beginning alternately with C and W. Using this constraint to overcome the influence of habit and pull undiscovered meaning from the subconscious, letting it map itself to the consonant sounds. It took a really long time. Once when I was talking about the concept with some friends on a train a stranger came over to suggest incorporating the Council of Worms, which led to the alternate title for Summer Brevis “Diet of Worms”.”

Smilodon, the upcoming EP from which "Canada Water" is taken, promises to further explore themes of personal growth and the raw edges of human emotion. Named after the Sabre-Tooth Tiger, the EP is described as a continuation and deepening of the narratives explored in last year’s Giant Elk album. With songs that are personal, messy, and frantic, yet imbued with ME REX’s signature desperate optimism, the EP is set to offer a fresh perspective on the challenges of navigating modern life.

Last week, the band shared their first taste of the EP with the release of "Goodbye Forever" another fresh take on a ME REX classic. This track explores the painful realization of a relationship's end, a clarity that often emerges distinctly through songwriting. Like "Canada Water," "Goodbye Forever" showcases ME REX's unique ability to intertwine complex emotional landscapes with their compelling indie/math rock soundscapes.

ME REX’s innovative use of structure and sound continues to position them at the forefront of the UK indie scene. With the release of Smilodon, they are not only expanding their musical horizons but also reinforcing their role as storytellers capable of finding the universal in the personal.

Smilodon track listing:

Goodbye Forever
Fleck
Hale-Bopp
Canada Water

Fans can catch ME REX live as they bring these new tracks and their dynamic stage presence to venues across the UK, with dates in Brighton, London, and Bristol this May.

Save the date for Smilodon, and watch the visualizer for “Canada Water”: