The musical landscape is often a reflection of the times we live in, and in an era where perseverance and resilience are more crucial than ever, The Exact Opposite emerges with their debut single, “You Work For Us Now.” Released through Dental Records on March 22nd, 2024, this track marks a significant milestone for the duo comprising singer/guitarist Jamie Stuart and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Nigel Powell, both seasoned veterans of the underground indie scene.
With roots intertwined in bands like Dive Dive, Dustball, Unbelievable Truth, and Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls, Stuart and Powell bring a wealth of experience and musical prowess to their latest endeavor. “You Work For Us Now” was one of the first compositions to materialize when the duo reunited in 2021, after life’s various demands finally afforded them the opportunity to collaborate once again.
Reflecting on the genesis of the song, Powell reminisces about the organic process of creation, stating, “We were playing stuff at each other in a room like we always used to with Dive Dive, wondering if we should get more people in the band and what we were going to sound like. Then ‘You Work For Us Now’ came along, and once I’d programmed the bass, the excitement of Jamie’s spiky post-punk Television-style guitar and an insistent dance bottom end immediately inspired us, and defined what The Exact Opposite was going to be.”
Recorded as part of their upcoming debut album, “Skill Issue,” at Jonny Greenwood’s studio (Radiohead / The Smile), “You Work For Us Now” delves into themes of perseverance and determination, particularly in the realm of artistic pursuits. Stuart reflects on the song’s significance, stating, “If we were a jazz band, people would go, ‘These guys have matured with age,’ and people would be cool with that. I don’t know with this if we were proving something to ourselves, because regardless, I still would have done it anyway.”
The track serves as a testament to the profound musical chemistry shared by Stuart and Powell, showcasing their ability to craft a sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Accompanying the release is an atmospheric and distinctive music video directed by Powell, further enhancing the sensory experience of “You Work For Us Now.”
While a full tour is slated for later in the year, fans can catch The Exact Opposite at some low-key local dates around the release, including an album release show in their hometown of Oxford. The tour dates are as follows:
– April 13th: The Pump, Trowbridge
– April 19th: The Apothecary Tap, Banbury
– May 10th: The Jericho Tavern, Oxford
– May 11th: Aces & Eights, London
– May 13th: The Exchange, Bristol
As “You Work For Us Now” reverberates through the musical landscape, The Exact Opposite solidifies their position as a dynamic force to be reckoned with, offering a poignant reminder of the power of persistence and the enduring spirit of creativity.
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