W: Karl Watson
Stripped of the noise, the lights, and the labels, what remains is the music that truly matters. The Lifeboat Playlist is a raw deep-dive into the sonic DNA of the artists we love, forcing them to choose the ten definitive tracks they’d carry into isolation. It’s a survival kit built on gut-level resonance—a collection of anthems, heartbreaks, and high-octane riffs that define a lifetime. From stadium-sized roars to vulnerable late-night confessions, these are the songs that keep the fire burning when the horizon feels endless.
These ten tracks are far more than mere influences; they are the definitive blueprints for our sound and the very reason we picked up our instruments. Each selection captures an essential pillar of our craft—be it ambition, atmosphere, or raw conviction—forming a masterclass in British grit and melodic gravity. From the primordial sludge of Black Sabbath’s "War Pigs" to the stadium-sized yearning of Coldplay and Kodaline, this collection is built for the "big moment." It is music designed to be roared at the horizon, expertly blending the bluesy desperation of The Beatles' "I Want You (She’s So Heavy)" with the defiant, brotherly roar of Oasis’ "Acquiesce."
Between the jagged indie swagger of Kasabian and the timeless warmth of Crowded House, this selection strikes a perfect balance between sheer volume and profound vulnerability. High-octane anthems like Feeder’s "Buck Rogers" provide the adrenaline necessary to keep the fire burning, while the sophisticated depth of Embrace’s "Keeping" offers a steady anchor in the storm. This isn't just a playlist for the stranded soul; it is a soundtrack that sounds like a global breakthrough—unshakeable, anthemic, and pure class.
The Beatles – I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
For us, The Beatles sit at the very top of the tree. Not just culturally, but musically — in songwriting, innovation and fearlessness. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) captures that ambition perfectly. It’s dark, obsessive and unapologetically heavy, pushing far beyond what most bands were attempting at the time. The repetition, the tension, the sheer weight of the riff — and then that abrupt ending — show a band completely confident in their creative vision. It’s a reminder that greatness comes from pushing boundaries.
Kasabian – Take Aim
This one feels cinematic — moody, confident and slightly dangerous. There’s restraint in the verses and then emotional release, something we always gravitate toward in songwriting. Kasabian have that swagger but never lose the melody, and Take Aim captures that balance perfectly.
Embrace – Keeping
Embrace have always mastered emotional scale, and Keeping feels quietly powerful. It’s patient rather than overblown. The atmosphere carries the song as much as the lyrics. We’ve always admired how they build emotion without needing to shout.
Feeder – Buck Rogers
Pure adrenaline. It’s punchy, immediate and honest — no frills, just riffs and energy. It reminds you why indie rock exploded when it did. This is the kind of track that instantly lifts your mood.
Coldplay – In My Place
There’s a vulnerability here that hits every time. The guitar line is iconic, and the chorus feels both personal and universal. Coldplay make intimacy sound stadium-sized — that emotional accessibility is something we really respect.
Black Sabbath – War Pigs
The sheer weight of this track is unreal. The riffs, the groove, the attitude — heavy music with purpose. It’s bold, confrontational and foundational. Sabbath remind you that rock music can be dangerous and powerful.
Kings of Leon – Fans
This one is all about atmosphere and build. Expansive and reflective, it feels made for open skies and big stages. It balances emotion with drive in a way that feels effortless.
Oasis – Acquiesce
Being a band of brothers, this one resonates on another level. The shared vocal feels symbolic — unity, rivalry, belief. The chorus is massive and defiant. It’s a reminder that rock ’n’ roll is as much about conviction as it is about sound.
Kodaline – High Hopes
This track leans fully into emotion. It’s heartfelt and vulnerable, and the build into the final chorus feels genuinely cathartic. It connects on a deep level — and that connection is everything.
Crowded House – Fall at Your Feet
Songwriting at its purest. Gentle but devastating in the best way. The melody carries so much feeling without overcomplicating anything. It’s a reminder that honesty and craft will always outlast trends.