New Music: LIBRE – Supernatural

A tricky rhythm and a recommendation for one of Manchester’s finer watering holes aren’t the only things that make LIBRE stand out.

Only the Copenhagen band’s second single, Supernatural is evidence that LIBRE are quickly finding their own style and sound with a post-punk setting. Inspired by a visit to Manchester, it has something of local heroes IST IST and The Chameleons about in it, mainly in how it uses space within the instrumentation and melody to add meaning.   

It’s not quite as straightforward, though: the drums and bass line stutter but never quite fall; that space can sometimes feel like emotions trapped in a splendid isolation. LIBRE are learning fast, and know that to make anthems doesn’t mean you have to conform to expectations. There’s a phrase that is misattributed to Tony Wilson but is present but unspoken in Supernatural, and what LIBRE absorbed so thoroughly in a short visit: “This is Manchester; we do things differently here.”

The band says about the track, “Supernatural was born out of the energy of an eventful band weekend in Manchester – against a backdrop of fourth-division football, inspiring live music (The Deaf Institute comes highly recommended), dimly lit pubs, and encounters with local Mancunians. The song is about the art of standing your ground in a world that’s becoming increasingly complex.”

Follow LIBRE on Instagram for all the latest band news, and for streaming options for their music, which include Spotify and SoundCloud.