The Severance by Blaney: A Gritty, Unpolished Gem of UK Alt-Rock
Alright, let’s get into it. The Severance, Blaney’s 2017 release under Yerrrr Productions, isn’t your cookie-cutter alt-rock album. It’s raw, unfiltered, and feels like a late-night drive through the rainy streets of Blackpool (yep, there's even a track named after that). If you’re into music that doesn’t try too hard to impress but somehow nails it anyway, this one’s for you.
Let’s start with “Feel The Rain.” Man, this song sticks. Not because it’s overly complex or flashy—nah, it’s the vibe. The opening riff hits like a splash of cold water, and the vocals? They’re kinda messy in the best way possible. Like someone shouting their heart out from the edge of a cliff. You can almost picture the band huddled in some dingy rehearsal space, just letting it rip. It’s not perfect, but that’s why it works. Feels real. Feels human. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re already humming along, whether you want to or not.
Then there’s “Blackpool.” This one hits different. Maybe it’s the nostalgia factor—I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a soft spot for songs that sound like places. And yeah, this track smells like fish ‘n’ chips and sea salt. The guitar work is sharp yet understated, and the lyrics? Simple, sure, but they paint a picture. It’s less of a song and more of a postcard from a forgotten British seaside town. Honestly, if I ever visit Blackpool, I’m blasting this on repeat. No questions asked.
Now, the rest of the album ain’t bad either. Tracks like “Tessa” and “Happy Return” keep things moving with punchy hooks and enough energy to shake off a bad day. But where The Severance really shines is its refusal to take itself too seriously. It’s not trying to be Radiohead or Arctic Monkeys. It’s just… Blaney. Doing their thing. And honestly? That’s refreshing as hell.
Here’s the kicker though—this album makes me think about how much music has changed since 2017. Back then, streaming was blowing up, and everyone was scrambling to figure out how to stand out. Yet here’s Blaney, quietly dropping an album that feels like it doesn’t give a damn about trends. Weirdly enough, that’s probably why it still holds up today.
So yeah, go listen to The Severance. Crank it loud, preferably while staring out at something grey and moody. Oh, and if anyone asks what you’re playing, just shrug and say, “Some UK band called Blaney.” Then watch them scramble to find it later.
