Listen: Amber States – “Saratoga”

London-based quintet Amber States showcase exciting, euphoric indie sounds on new release, “Saratoga”.

Quickly gaining a cult following high praise from folk purveyor Lianne La Havas and rampant support from XFM, BBC London and Amazing Radio, the impeccably cool song “Saratoga” is like the birthchild of folk and indie in the purest sense. Ahead of their forthcoming EP, the track is a forlorn and mesmerising ode to the bitter-sweet feelings that often follow a failed relationship.

With an effortlessly memorable melody that presents as much a sense of yearning as Gavin Bell’s emotional yet controlled vocals, the self-described ‘indie-soul’ aspect of Amber States’ charm is presented to point on “Saratoga”. Tinged with a euphoric glow, it doesn’t dwell on feelings of heartbreak.

Despite it conveying the sense of having loved and lost, it’s not a song to wallow to. Instead, Amber States immediately, and perfectly, conjure up images of driving along an empty and expansive highway, weaving through deserts and valleys and other such landscapes that most of England perhaps isn’t blessed with, with nothing in front of you but the hazy unplanned opportunity that running with no clear direction brings.

Amber States release their new EP, Saratoga, on 28 April. A series of live dates are to be announced soon.