Nearly a decade after forming in Birmingham, The Clause have finally delivered their long-awaited debut album, and it more than lives up to the buzz surrounding their live shows. Produced by Matt Terry at VADA Studios, the record is a confident, cohesive collection that captures both the swagger and sincerity that have made the four-piece one of the Midlands’ most promising indie exports.
Opening track “Prologue” sets the scene beautifully, with natural textures and ascending melodies that ease the listener into the album’s cinematic world. From there, “Nothing As It Seems” bursts forward with crisp guitars and a driving rhythm section, embodying the band’s knack for infectious, arena-ready indie rock. Deeper cuts like “In My Element” and “White Life Line” lean into heavier grooves and textural guitar effects, nodding to the ’90s alternative sound without feeling derivative, all pounding drums, shimmering riffs, and a real sense of momentum.
Midway through, the mood softens. Tracks like “Weekend Millionaire” glide on jangly guitars and bright disco-tinged beats, offering a feel-good respite that highlights the band’s versatility. The closing stretch delivers a satisfying emotional payoff, “Pink Moon” slows the pace with bittersweet introspection, while “Don’t Blink” swells into a final, cathartic anthem that encapsulates everything The Clause do best.
Throughout the record, the musicianship shines: sharp, melodic guitar lines, airtight rhythm work, and frontman Macca’s dynamic vocals anchoring it all with ease and conviction. The result is an accomplished debut that bridges the nostalgia of 90s indie with the polish and confidence of a band fully hitting their stride. The Clause have played to their strengths and emerged with a record that’s both familiar and forward-looking, proof that their long game has paid off.