Released earlier in the month by Ninja Tune, the London band Ebbb’s newest single, “Manners,” combines baroque pop harmonies with contemporary electronic moves, the end result sounding a little like a modernized version of the kind of indie that was burning up blogs during the first Obama administration. It’s just the next step for a band whose development has been fast and furious, and deeply indebted to their kinetic live show, which established a rep for Ebbb in advance of any recorded material being released. We sent over some questions to the band: producer Lev Ceylan, vocalist Will Rowland, and drummer Scott MacDonald. Read their collective answers below.

What is “Manners” about?

Ebbb: “Manners” represents the duality and the pendulum swing of a romantic relationship: the craving and longing when you're apart from one another, and then the not-so-perfect reality when united. It's the way we idealise things when on our own ("I kinda wish that you were here…") versus the inability to control negative or toxic impulses when together ("watch your sharp tongue…").

Has your songwriting process changed at all since the band’s inception? Does your live show now help determine how you put together songs?

It's definitely become more fluid and interchangable depending on the song ... In the early days generally Lev would create an instrumental and the vocals would be added on top. These days the song might start from an electronic idea Lev has, or a vocal idea Will has written on the piano, and we go back and forth like that. But honestly every song is different. We definitely try stuff out at shows or write particular ideas with the live show in mind. Recently for example a lot of the tunes have become more dancey. 

How do you feel like you fit on Ninja Tune? Any favorite releases from the label’s back catalog?

Cinematic Orchestra’s Every Day album and Young Fathers Heavy Heavy. 

You all have fairly varied backgrounds in music. Is there a common set of reference points or any sort of a musical language that helps make sure you stay on the same page?

I think we all have a love for folk music and folk sensibilities more generally. We also all listen to a fair amount of current electronic alternative-leaning pop.

Your band has played shows in a variety of contexts. Can you think of any memorable sets where you felt like a bit of a fish out of water? 

Lowlands in The Netherlands last year was amazing. We were clashing with the Sugababes which was quite surreal. 

Who are some of your favorite under-the-radar London bands right now?

That Fog.

What’s the best Beach Boys song?

“Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)”/”You Still Believe In Me,”  but honestly anything from Pet Sounds.

Photo Credit: Holly Whitaker