English Teacher

Photograph by Tatiana Pozuelo

Words by Neve Dawson

Following the fourpiece’s debut EP ‘Polyawkward’ and the announcement of their biggest UK tour to date, a re-recorded version of the single ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab’ is out now. 

At face value, an English teacher might analyse the track as a comment on increasing urbanisation in cities and the destruction of the environment - a true Keats stan. When asked about the single, however, vocalist Lily Fontaine stated: “I wrote and recorded the demo in my bedroom in one day, during my final year of university in 2018. Moving to a city for university forced me to reflect on how my experience of growing up in and around Pendle, how witnessing the social, economic and political issues that exist around there in juxtaposition with the beauty of the landscape and the characters that live within in it, has shaped me into the artist and person that I am.” 

The track is without a doubt reflective, summarising the predicament of many overshadowed by the pessimism of dusty city skies. Enticing and addictive riffs combine effortlessly with ethereal vocals and sections of conversational delivery. Produced by Marta Salgoni (Bjork, Black Midi, Animal Collective), the track is set to make Spotify-curated playlists.

Forget paving slabs, how are English Teacher not the biggest band in the world yet?