Single review: THE LONGSANDS, JAMES YOUNGER

THE LONGSANDS – Little Britain

“Little Britain”, from Newcastle indie rockers The Longsands, is the latest song from the band’s debut album “Meet Me in Spanish City”, and is a strong and honest new voice for the people of Britain.

The title song is a lyrically aggressive and beautifully emotional track, with marching band sound and socially aware lyrics about “feel[ing] alone in my own country” as well as the repeated line “I’m sick of standing in the rain” which I could imagine being a great live sing-along anthem for the band. The instrumental version of the song is also included, and despite lacking the vocals, it manages to work as a standalone track – each verse and chorus offers something new musically which you might’ve missed in the original version.

The main thing that definitely stands out about the accompanying track on the single, “An Affair in Manchester”, is how quintessentially British it is – aside from the reference to a city in the title, lyrics like “Piccadilly station platform” make it specific to an audience familiar with train stations, which is a lot more personal and intimate.

Whilst I only have a few songs to base this off, I can still say that the band is unquestionably serious abou twriting expressive songs that reach and identify with a British audience; a strong single to represent a promising album.

****

Samaa Husain

JAMES YOUNGER – Monday Morning

Manchester (UK) born but now based in the US, this debut single is lifted of James Younger’s debut album, the appropriately titled ‘Feelin’ American’ due out in June.

The tune grows with each listen and is a satisfying piece of pop rock that steers clear of the whiny singer/songwriter trap. Given some all important airplay and he could well have a hot on his hands. Bodes well for the album and you can hear the single yourself here

****

Jason Ritchie

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