ROAM, from Eastbourne UK, have announced that their third album is titled ‘Smile Wide’ and it will be released on 06 September 2019 via Hopeless Records. This announcement comes with the release of the album’s first single ‘I Don’t Think I Live There Anymore’. “This track uses the idea of an out of body experience to exemplify the feeling of being out of control in any situation,”explains guitarist and vocalist Alex Adam. He continues “It follows the protagonist as they wander vacant through life, doing as they’re told, going where they’re told…”
‘Smile Wide’ sees ROAM step up their game further than ever and the band are ready to hit the ground running, or back-flipping on stage as the case may be. They’ll be kicking live proceedings off with labelmates and previous touring cohorts With Confidence on a co-headline UK & European tour in September and October, following the album’s release. See below for details.
Whilst recording ‘Smile Wide’ in Texas with producer Machine (Fall Out Boy, Clutch, As It Is), ROAM made a conscious decision to push the boundaries of the pop punk scene they’ve become a part of since their debut album ‘Backbone’ was released in 2016. They’re moving their sound into new territories, embracing a more 90s feel and influences of grunge, nu-metal and alternative sounds.
The title of ‘Smile Wide’ refers to a lyric in the song ‘Red & Blue’. As vocalist Alex Costello explains, “When everything’s falling down around you and you’re facing the worst situations, smile wide. It’s like ‘smile wide, here it comes, life’s about to happen again.’”
That’s what it’s all about. Staying positive and stepping up to the plate, even in the face of adversity. “The album as a whole is about feeling overlooked and out of control,” says Alex Adam.“It’s about feeling like a puppet in someone else’s game, and they’re making decisions you don’t agree with, it’s about taking that control back and not letting people walk all over you anymore.
On a larger scale, as citizens of the earth, we’re in a place where we’re being lead by people who don’t have a fucking clue, and who are fucking up huge decisions that affect everyone, on a daily basis. We need to not just take it but stand up for what we believe in.
Be unapologetically you.”
‘Smile Wide’ Tracklisting:
1. Better In Than Out
2. I Don’t Think I Live There Anymore
3. LOUD
4. Play Dumb
5. Fire On The Ceiling
6. Piranha
7. Red & Blue
8. Hand Grenade
9. Toy Box
10. Turn
ROAM Co-headline UK Tour with With Confidence:
September
20 Southampton 1865
21 London O2 Academy Islington
22 Bristol Thekla
23 Birmingham O2 Institute2
25 Glasgow Classic Grand
26 Manchester Academy 3
27 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
28 Leeds Key Club