Review: The NineTens

Next up is the new single This Is Real from The Nine Tens, and we have to say – we absolutely love it when seasoned covers bands turn their hand to original material. Years spent dissecting and performing other people’s songs usually builds a deep understanding of structure, dynamics, and what actually makes a track connect. That experience shines all the way through this release.

The song kicks off like a perfect summer’s day – bright, open, and instantly mood-lifting – with a glorious nod to the Britpop years. There’s a warmth to the intro that feels nostalgic without being stuck in the past. When the vocal arrives, it carries that same uplifting energy, confident and assured, guiding the track forward with ease.

Then the chorus crashes in like an old friend. It leans into the heavier side of 90s UK rock – think 3 Colours Red or early Feeder – but never feels retro for the sake of it. There’s a freshness here, a modern bite that keeps it current and relevant. The swagger is self-assured rather than showy, and that authenticity is what makes it work so well.

The guitar solo is a real highlight. Emotional rather than flashy, it’s perfectly placed and delivered with feel. It adds to the song’s heart instead of stealing focus, proving once again that restraint can be far more powerful than excess.

At three and a half minutes, This Is Real is exactly the kind of uplifting UK guitar rock that feels missing right now – summery, sincere, and packed with genuine melody. If radio still had its finger on the pulse, this would be on heavy rotation. The Nine Tens aren’t just playing at being real – they’ve delivered the real thing.