Pharmacists bumbled along under the surface for a long time like a song trying to punch its way out of Tom Petty’s guitar. This music isn’t so much an ode to Tom Petty, Weezer, Alvvays or The Ramones but to the magnificence of a chorus. His new single ‘Heart of the Nation’ achieves this.
Pharmacists started out as a means to keep William Porteous (the chief songwriter) from losing his mind during his mindless 9-5. He writes about grief, loss and societal discourse. He’s played in bands from the dive bars of New York to the sweaty venues of London. He’s playing his songs to a new and growing fanbase and people are responding.
Rising through the alternative-indie-rock scene, ‘Heart of the Nation’ is an anthem that conveys a powerful message that resonates long after the music fades. From bursting onto the musical landscape with a mission and purpose, the dynamic project showcases a profound political depth that distinguishes him in the modern music landscape. In terms of vocal style, Phamacist reminiscences Wreckless Eric meets Kurt Vile.
‘Heart of the Nation’ was never meant to be a political statement because, for a while, the song annoyed him. It wouldn’t go away, that was until he sat down and wrote it, which got him some rest. The lyrics were about a crushing love but then somehow turned into something truly heartbreaking; refugees trying to find a different life. William’s confusion and struggle to understand the world is something we all deal with. ‘Heart of the Nation’ simply tells a story of how easily a soul can be corrupted by propaganda; the right amount of money can change the political narrative and people turn their backs.
Recorded in Plug Studios, Norwich, the song started from scratch with guitar and vocals then built up with bass, drums, and a cheeky bit of drum machine, showcasing that Pharmacists’ multiskilled performance is what drives the intensity of the song. The allure of alternative-indie-rock’s sound captured by the heart of Pharmacists’ love for music, over a seamless genre-blend, is sophisticated showcasing his sound with complexity and surprise.
On the release, Pharmacists share, “I wanted to take a huge chorus and put something I believe in behind it. I wanted to leave something of myself out there.”