Song Stories: The Clause: Weekend Millionaire
"Weekend Millionaire" is the latest offering from the boys from Birmingham. The Clause have been with us now since 2016, and consists of frontman Pearce McMenamin, guitarist Liam Deakin, bassist Niall Fennell, and drummer Jonny Fyffe. They have been releasing music for a few years now, but have really stepped things up over the last couple of years.
2023's 'Pop Culture' EP was a real step up, showing so many different sides to the band. The Ep's title track tackles the desire for fame, with a groovy instrumental backing. With nods to Foals. 'I Don't Care' is an indie anthem for the ages, with one of the best choruses in recent memory. This song seems like 'Weekend Millionaires' little brother but more on that later.
'Fake It' is the band at their most feisty. With the front man snarling at points, it's almost a punk song, with pulsating drums and a driving bass line.
'Hate the Player' is the weakest track on the EP, but is still an indie gem. With some very funky guitars, and a tight drum beat. The Clause are all very good musicians, and this EP proved that. 'Gabrielle ends the EP. A slower paced love song about a girl called 'Gabrielle' which showcases some brilliant lyrics. A real change of pace, that shows it's not all indie bangers and snarling punk the band have a sensitive side to.
'Weekend Millionaire' is the bands next EP. We have had three songs on it so far, and they have been a step up again. 'Fever Dream' is a catchy indie tune, with a hint of social commentary about the nature of the world we are all loving. A confusion fills the track with the refrain 'none of it will ever make sense to me' being repeated throughout.
'Take Me Home' reminds me a lot of the Arctic Monkeys with 80s synths backing them up. Talking about young love, one night stands, and what happens in bars and clubs every Saturday night up and down the country. It has a throwback feel but also firmly feels like The Clause.
The EP's title track 'Weekend Millionaire' is the best thing the band have done to date. Since it's release on the 27th of September. It has been on heavy rotation.
Lyrically the song talks about the escapism that comes with going at the weekend. Whatever that may be. Musically the song is a massive jump. Each member has their moment in the sun, and it knits together perfectly.
It's been the most I've been gripped by a new song in a very very long time. I cannot stop playing it, it has that infectious feel that makes you want keep listening. A catchy chorus, and verses that are so relatable.
The band described the song as "A song for everyone who feels like their life is slipping away and there’s only one thing you can do about it…"
The reliability alongside the sing along nature of "Weekend Millionaire" makes it one of the best songs of the year. It's something we can all relate to, tackling friendships falling apart, the nature of the world at the moment, young lust, young love, the ecstasy and agony that comes with a heavy weekend. A song that will go on to soundtrack plenty more heavy weekends, and lead the indie faithful to the dancefloor.
I can see the next few months being huge for The Clause. With the full EP coming on October 18th and a sell out tour to look forward to, 2024 has been massive already. 2025 will be a monumental year for the lads.
A debut album has to be next.
Thank you for reading x