Sunday, Sunday, Sunday it’s the return of Single of the Week, probably the longest running feature we’ve had here at WFM! This week we have the immensely talented Ginger Snaps who’s been dropping bangers since 2016 with ‘Phat Kids’!
His newest Single ‘With or Without Her’ has got Single of the Week for undeniable catchiness and wonderful production – something which is always prevalent on every Ginger Snaps track. This song takes a slower approach than it’s predecessors, as it seems lead singer Jay Brook seems to mulling over something as he sings “Take it easy little soldier / You’re almost done with this’.
Listen Below:
Jay’s casual rapsy delivery is really infectious and calming to listen to, as he reels off lyrics on top of this subtle crunch sounding drum beat with spiraling guitars. The crystal clear production is impeccable, which really makes this track stand out from a lot of other peoples. You can just tell by the way it sounds it’s been looked after and carefully crafted.
Ginger Snaps still continue to be one of my favourite acts of the year, and I expect something big from them next year like an EP or Album because I’ve got the taste for it, and I need to hear one!
That’s it for this week, you think you have a Single of the Week get in touch over twitter by messaging @WFMBlog or email: wordsformusicblog@gmail.com
The Americas Release a Stellar Debut EP with ‘Guitar Music Is Dead’
‘Guitar Music is Dead’ is the debut EP by West Midlands trio, Harry, Aaron and Alex. The Americas have had a busy year to say the least, gigging all over the country, recently performing at the fringe at the Tramlines festival in Sheffield.
I must admit, the band is very new to me, but the sound doesn’t feel that way at all. The sound is so nostalgic that the tracks seem to have years behind them. The short, six track EP packs a whole load of guitar in one place. The ring of the classic bluesy vocals are complemented by rock and country guitars while hats are surely tipped towards indie music, making you really question the Midland origin of the band.
This nostalgia is really alive in the sound, the six short tracks taking great influence from good old fashioned guitar music. The lead track, ‘Come on Out’ has a Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones drawl, down to the “Oh, Oh, Oh” in the background of the track. The vocals are also delivered beautifully Jagger-y in ‘I Don’t Wanna Go Home’ and ‘American Morning’, putting Jagger in a country situation with clever guitar and drum arrangements.
True, expected country rock is really explored in ‘Rosanna’, one of three tracks released before the EP. The production of the track is really intriguing, the tempo is particularly mellowed out, giving you a rather odd feeling while you listen. The song, before the guitar amplifies towards the end, is rather hypnotising, you may catch yourself feeling as if you’re in a Southern American bar surrounded by people in cowboy hats dancing around you.
The lyrics and their sentiment in the EP, although filled with guitar and drums, make for comfortable listening. Lyrically, the EP seems to encapsulate a certain extent of storytelling with pretty dreamy melodies. ‘Backyard Love Song’ comprises electric guitar and a steady drum beat, but begs deliverance by a raconteur. The track describes an uninspired life and relationship with the typical wish to get out of their town and regular life. Here, the story begs a familiarity and relationship with the listener, while also inspiring ambition in “Maybe I could get away/ across the country and stay…. It’s somewhere out there, of that I’m sure”. We can see this ambition in the shape of the EP and the number of gigs performed, as well as the quest to make sure guitar music is in fact not dead.
The Americas by @anniewarnerr
Perhaps the stand out track of the album is ‘Bad News’. This track strays from the remaining consensus of the EP. With a much faster deliverance and a heavier feel. Here, the vocals seem less bluesy and more snare like. This is more likely a rock track with indie roots, bringing a further dimension to the EP, maybe teasing other avenues they are willing to explore musically.
All in all, this EP was a surprising listen. I was not expecting such nostalgia in a new release, but this really is what makes The Americas stand out. The tongue in cheek title Guitar music is dead is definitely challenged in the EP, band member, Aaron explaining ‘Guitar music seems to die every year. Huge artists like Kasabian and the Gallagher brothers always claim to be the ‘last survivors’, maybe adding The Americas to the list.
With it being Sunday, it can only mean one thing – Single of the Week. Pretty difficult week, as you had a lot of new tracks being released including the one from Palava on Friday.
However, it has to go to Marsicans as they deliver with another bright and intelligent indie song for the Summer. They impressed earlier on in the year with the release of ‘Wake Up Freya’ which had great harmonies – but this song is a step above.
With uplifiting guitars and a convincing vocal performance, the band conjure up a a masterful track with an anthemic feel. After the dainty little intro, the song bursts into life and doesn’t let the pace drop. This is turning out to be one of the most impressive years for Marsicans, and this song is another step which proves it.
That’s it for this weeks Single of the Week. If you think you have a hot single on your hands then get in touch!
Doncaster trio The Blinders get Single of the Week with ‘L’etat C’est Moi‘
After a couple of weeks away from Single of the Week, The Blinders are here to fire it back up again. Their earlier release this year ‘Gotta Get Through’ was one of the bands’ best tracks to date, and ‘L’etat C’est Moi‘ sits right up their with it.
The track sees The Blinders jump head first into heavy riff territory, with the bass playing another riff which is as devilish as it is memorable. Frontman Thomas Haywood once again throws a huge amount of charisma into the track, giving the song a distinctive Blinders tattoo. The passion oozes from start to finish, and the chorus is another tasty one, proving that the Donny band quite clealry have a knack at writing an endearing chorus.
That’s it for Single of the Week this week hope you enoyed it, the blog is back up and running so feel free to email wordsformusicblog@gmail.com if you think you have a single of the week on your hands!
Brighton’s Suzi Island provides us with Single of the Week!
It’s Sunday which means it’s Single of the Week day!
Heard a lot of good music this past week, but it’s Brighton band Suzi Island who really found a way into my ears and stayed there. The song has a very laid back vibe to it, with some really endearing acoustic guitar. The vocals are heavily charismatic, as the vocals scream “Show me the way”. The track is extremely well put together as everything is crystal clear and really emphasizes those vocals. Important to note as well that the track was produced by former Vaccines member Pete Robertson, which quite a cool fact.
I hope this means more to come from Suzi Island, because this track has some great qualities.
After Ivory Wave released ‘Cool Kids‘ last week, we have another treat this week with Violet laying ‘Jaded‘ on us. The songs big sound feel and luscious vocals highlight similarities to popular Birmingham band Peace. However Violet differ themselves by having an edge of darkness attached to them which comes through in the track.
The Midlands music scene is currently very healthy, and this is further proof to that. If you dig the track make sure you see them live dates below!
April
11th – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen – London – Tickets
Words For Music - New Music Reviews 