There’s something instantly appealing about a band that can make uncertainty sound this good. On their latest EP, 'Reoccurring Daydreams', Wigan/Manchester four-piece Montello capture the restless spirit of indie rock, blending infectious guitar hooks with a more introspective look at boredom, growing up and the fear of what comes next.
Across five tracks, the band balance youthful energy with a growing sense of maturity. 'The Universe Replied' pairs jangling guitars with an undercurrent of melancholy, while 'Stop The Press' brings a grittier, more urgent edge. Elsewhere, 'Cold Calls' delivers swaggering riffs and flashes of early Arctic Monkeys, showcasing a band comfortable drawing on indie’s past while carving out their own identity.
Jacob Knowles’ warm, expressive vocals bring a welcome sincerity to the record, giving the songwriting an emotional core beneath its catchy exterior. There are shades of The Vaccines and the unmistakable influence of Manchester’s indie heritage, but Montello avoid simply rehashing familiar sounds. Instead, they bring a fresh energy to the formula, balancing polished production with enough grit to keep things feeling authentic.
Lyrically, 'Reoccurring Daydreams' explores the uncertainty of looking towards the future, capturing those all-too-familiar feelings of restlessness and wanting something more. It’s this honesty that gives the EP its depth, making it more than just another collection of guitar-driven indie anthems.
With 'Reoccurring Daydreams', Montello deliver a confident step forward, combining memorable melodies with genuine emotional substance. It may not reinvent indie rock, but with its infectious energy and relatable songwriting, it proves there’s plenty of life left in the genre — and plenty more to come from this promising four-piece.
