New Music: &Tilly – How Soon Is Now?

I have long loved the music of The Smiths, and still do, even though I have mixed feelings about Morrissey in recent years. The monthly disco in Manchester was a regular haunt of mine for a very long time.

I must admit, I have a real affection and weak spot for what &Tilly have done with How Soon Is Now? – especially in how they have given the track new meaning in this radical reworking. The original clocked in at nearly seven minutes, for a start, and has a degree of self-regard, if not full-on self-pity, that can feel awkward now, yet is absent here.

Here, the track has become a very different beast indeed, shorter and tighter, holding a markedly different emotional resonance – more of a statement of intent, of personal autonomy, and of self-belief. The melody has been reworked towards something ambient and elegant, and the phrasing of the lyrics turns the song into a declaration of intent, subverting the original while staying true to its beating, bruised heart. Morrissey fans are very protective of his music, but I doubt they can object to this.

Talking about the decision to cover the classic 80s track, Tilly reveals, “We wanted to honor what makes this song so incredibly unique while pouring our own souls into it at the same time. Honestly, working on it made me fall in love with it all over again.”

How Soon Is Now? is out now, to download on Bandcamp, and stream on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Be sure to follow &Tilly on Instagram or Facebook for artist updates and further listening options for their music.