ALLEY (the band) – The Release (Now It’s Over) (2025)
Formed in a not-entirely-traditional way, ALLEY (the band) came about after guitarist Robbie Davies heard a somewhat tipsy individual sing a Christmas song in a pub. Struck by singer-songwriter Ali Wood’s timbre and tone, Davies decided then and there to form a band with Wood as the singer. Skip ahead nine months, and add the talents of bassist Jaymie Page and drummer Antony Insuli, the UK-based foursome began sharing their music with the masses. While a relatively new band with only a couple of singles streaming online, ALLEY (the band) might be new, but it is well-seasoned with veteran musicians on board. Today, we take a listen to their single, ‘The Release (Now It’s Over)’. Join us, won’t you?
Joining their single, ‘La La Land’ on ALLEY (the band)’s Bandcamp, ‘The Release (Now It’s Over)’ breathes life into the whispers of old-school indie-pop. A colourful sonic tapestry, Page’s bold bass meets Insuli’s dynamic drums, while Davies’ guitar soars across, leaving a trail of silvery light sparkling with twinkling delight. Yet, while the lead guitar drives the track with a smile-inducing ease, it is Ali Wood’s vocals that really stand out in ‘The Release (Now It’s Over)’. It’s her silky warmth easing across the woven elements; however, just as the vocals brim with caring in the song’s heartfelt richness, a chilliness lurks with ghostly haunting and breathy vulnerability.
Recorded and produced by Al Moghadam, ‘The Release (Now It’s Over)’ shines with sophistication and maturity; yet, there is also a naïve innocence peeking through the melody, offering a track that delicately unpicks human fragility with a knowing smile and gentle hand. For me, while the melody is enchanting, it is the overall theme that adds depth to an already weighty single. A song about transformation and self-discovery, Ali Wood explains: “It’s about moving on – that moment when you finally realise something that held you back no longer defines you. It’s both a goodbye and a beginning.”
Find out more about ALLEY (the band) on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more indie-pop music on The Other Side Reviews Indie Pop playlist:
