Columbia Mills have released their new single ‘Heart of a Nation’. ‘Heart of a Nation’ is the title track and first single from the band’s third album scheduled for release in September this year. Described by John Kennedy (Radio X) as Ireland’s answer to The National, Columbia Mills are regulars at festivals such as Indiependence, Longitude, and Electric Picnic and have supported world-class acts like Ride, Public Service Broadcasting, and Palace. On top of this, they have also toured Ireland & the UK with a string of headline shows at venues such as Whelans, King Tuts, and Sebright Arms.
‘Heart of a Nation’ is a thrilling new song from Columbia Mills. Dealing with dark themes, in particular Ireland’s housing crisis the band highlight failures in our society. Fiachra Treacy’s vocals croon moving lyrics and drive home the songs stark lyrical content “A mother in a hotel raising her kids she’s not on holiday how did it end up this way …….sleeping in a Garda station, living in the heart of a first world nation”.
‘Heart of a Nation’ is a wonderfully expressive piece of music. The band create a soundscape filled with lush instrumentation, dark undertones and dazzling moments of evocative musicianship through the use of chiming guitars, bass rumbles and beautiful key arrangements that deftly convey coiling emotion, innocence, and anger.
The enthralling sound of Columbia Mills is one to be admired. Each of the band’s releases are a joy to listen to again and again. ‘Heart of a Nation’ is an excellent display of Columbia Mills’ masterful use of instrumentation, sonic finesse and eloquent songwriting.
Speaking about ‘Heart of a Nation’ lead singer Fiachra Treacy said: “Heart of a Nation” documents the housing crisis in Ireland, with each verse tackling a different aspect of the problem. From a mother sleeping with her children in a Garda station to the crooked businessmen and politicians that have caused the housing crisis in Ireland. Heart of a Nation peels back the political rhetoric and looks at the real people affected when the ruling class looks out for themselves.”
Stream ‘Heart of a Nation’ below
Author: Danu
