New Music Review: Artio release 'Backbone'

Artio are an up and coming three-piece Alt Synth Pop band from Leeds, consisting of members Hol Brazill, Ieuan Jones and Rob Arkle who are currently signed to independent label Monomyth Records, who are based in Leeds.

Artio has had an exciting start to life as a signed artist. In 2019 they released three singles and an EP and performed many live shows. 2020 is looking to be another busy year. They were recently on a seven date tour to support the release of their new EP ‘Backbone’, however recent gigs have had to be cancelled unfortunately due to the Covid-19 outbreak. To make things even better, their date at The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle was sold out. They have developed their live show into a must see experience and have honed their craft over the past year, so hopefully they'll be able to get back out to play live again soon.

‘Backbone’ is a very important and personal piece of work for the band. The six uncompromising tracks on this EP tackles vital issues surrounding climate injustice, toxic relationships and mental illness, something that most of us can really relate to. They are a young band, who are tuned into the issues that many young people face, and you can really hear this in this EP. The first track ‘Hide From Me’ discusses mental illness in a way that we perfectly encapsulates what a lot of us have been through; “I wish I didn’t think this way” is a stand out line from the chorus for me, as it is something I often say when I’m really struggling with my own mental health.

A particular favourite of mine is ‘Fear is Funny’ although it was really hard to pick just one track as I genuinely really enjoyed every single song on this EP, especially as the entirety of ‘Backbone’ is very sonically cohesive. This means that if you enjoy one of the tracks, the chances are that you will enjoy every track. Each track sounds full and is intricate in it’s melodies, arrangement and mixes. Holli’s vocals are a joy on each track; they are strong, precise and full of emotion, and each harmonies works so unbelievably well. Equally, every single piece of instrumentation is well thought out and well placed, each synth sound has been carefully considered, each melody has it’s own intricacy, and slots in well with the others, and the beats will be sure to get your foot tapping or head banging. These three have got a very bright future ahead of them.

‘Backbone’ has already received quite a bit of praise within the industry. Their track ‘Scissor Kill’ from the EP was initially given the honour of being ‘Track of the Week’ by BBC West Yorkshire’s BBC Introducing, where it was then featured on BBC Radio 6 music a week later. Emily Pilbeam from BBC Introducing has said that this EP “just needs to be all over Radio 1”, and another said: “an excellent Alt-pop track, you can just hear this being massive”.

This band has got big things coming, so make sure to follow them on all the socials:

Instagram: @artiomusic

Facebook: @artiomusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC70adtO7xCMo5mj8emuvZ0w

'Backbone' is out now on all major platforms.

Listen to it on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0aBolAml9U2vTKQzRKgBOB?si=KN2ymhPjSASLSS9mBjG_Pw

Or on Apple Music here: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/backbone-ep/1496248831