EP REVIEW “Float” from MuddiBrooke

If you’ve stopped by LiveWire now and then, you’re sure to have come across MuddiBrooke from Derby, as we’ve covered a number of their previous releases, such as ADHD, Devil, Straightjacket, You Don’t Own Me and Lunacy. If you haven’t then you’re in for a treat with Johnny Doom (Kerrang! Radio) comparing their sound to the likes of Wolf Alice and Pearl JamMuddiBrooke are Harriet McDonnell 'Brooke' (Lead vocals & Guitar), Anna Melidone (Bass & backing vocals) and newest member Morgan Pettigrew (drums). The last 12 months have been busy for MuddiBrooke with a string of singles and a support slot recently on the national Wayward Sons tour.

And wasting no time in 2024, they’ve launched their latest single Float which is out today. Float has already made it’s live debut in their show, and is one of the first tracks released from their debut album, due out in 2025 !

MuddiBrooke are well known for their grunge influence and sound, and it’s here in droves as well, but there’s something a little different with the textures in Float. Their material has often dealt with difficult situations often based on personal experiences such as abusive relationships, mental health and ADHD. This one is no different, and Anna says that “Float comes from the feeling of elation, after being set free from a long-lasting, dead-end situation”.

You can listen to Float below:

A single, quiet intro lulls you in to relaxation before the drums and guitar riffs burst forth full of energy, dropping suddenly for the delicate and gentle harmonies that wrap up the vocal verse sections, before rising again to create a wall of sound for the chorus sections, with great guitar/drum fill sections.

Brooke’s vocals are spot on with this one. Soft and emotional through the verse, before exploding with power and energy in the chorus sections, an emotional explosion of life and freedom with the words “I - I'm feeling so high, What - the hell is time”. Brookes powerful chorus is a real highlight, unwavering and solid performance. But its not just the power, the softer sections are sensational. There’s something in them that reminds me of my favourite female singer Julianne Regan from All About Eve. Beautiful…

The addition of Morgan to the line up on drums feels inspired. His powerful style is full of energy, but somehow it doesn’t overpower the track, complimenting the feel perfectly. Switching between low key and full on, it seems to portray the emotions involved, frustration and isolation, followed by release and freedom, so so well.

Anna on bass is just a joy to listen to, with deep tones that match up with the beat perfectly throughout.

In short Float is an absolute cracker, taking you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride from the lows to the exquisite highs, and as the track reaches a crescendo, Brookes voice actually becomes stronger and more powerful for the final lines, really helping you feel that emotional release of freedom from what had come before. The finally as her voice fades, the track turns to its instrumental elements to provide the final segment, where Anna’s bass shines through in the mix nicely, as the track fades away.

I’ve long admired MidduiBrooke. There songs have been emotional, hard hitting, powerful and sometimes uncomfortable. There’s something a little different with Float. I don’t quite know what it is. Its just as emotional and powerful as previous numbers, but has a new level of strength to it. Maybe its just MuddiBrooke finding their place and integrating the influences of Morgan, or maybe they’re just getting better and better ! Whatever it is ? It bodes well for the debut album release.

Crackin’ well worth a 9.0 😊