London rock collective COUNTERFEIT. bring a heaping dose of sweet insanity on their first single of 2020, “The New Insane.”

“I’m on the new insane / You’ll never be like me.” Good to know COUNTERFEIT. – good to know! The London alternative rock collective is comprised of five members: Jamie Bower (vocals/guitar), Sam Bower (guitar/vocals), Tristan Marmont (guitar/vocals), Roland Johnson (bass/vocals), and Jimmy Craig (drums).  If Jamie Bower sounds particularly familiar, well, that’s because the front man is also an actor.  Anyways, if you’ve never checked out the London alternative rock collective, the single at hand, “The New Insane,” provides the perfect opportunity.

“The New Insane” is quite an interesting record.  Alternative is a great way to characterize it.  Why? Well, it clearly has ample rock influence, but doesn’t sound like merely a rock record.  The ‘new insanity’ also embraces modern pop, with its use of electronics – synths and programming – as well as vocal effects (pitch shift, distortion, etc.).  Clearly, from a production (Drew Faulk and Rob Cavallo) and aural standpoint, “The New Insane” is a gem.

Vocally, Jamie Bower delivers, with his personality being easily perceptible throughout.  Thematically (insanity, beating to your own drum, nonconformity) and lyrically, “The New Insane” is certainly enjoyable.  The lyrics are no poetic masterpiece mind you, but they convey the spirit of insanity that COUNTERFEIT. seem to be going for.  The refrain, if you will, is quite entertaining to say the least:

“Gave up on running
No second place, no second option
Yeah, I saw God in
The deepest part of my back pocket
I fuckin’ told you I don’t wanna hear about it
And I’m so sick and tired of people telling me what I can and cannot be.”

Of course, that variant arrives prior to the aforementioned chorus, which is short, simple, and quite sweet.

Final Thoughts

All in all, COUNTERFEIT. deliver the goods with “The New Insane.”  The record is a spirited rock track that isn’t afraid to dip into electronic and pop.  Jamie Bower is more than a handsome actor – he comes through as a confident lead singer with plenty of personality.  If nothing else, it’s definitely an interesting listen.

COUNTERFEIT. • “The New Insane” • Republic • Release: 1.3.19

Photo Credit: Republic