Liam Fender: Man Down EP
Out November twenty second
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North Shields multi-instrumentalist Liam Fender showcases his song-writing vary on an assured 4 observe EP bursting with type and substance.
Liam Fender has been steadily constructing his status as an aesthetic songwriter with an ear for a contagious melody and lyrics that take a brutally sincere, unflinching have a look at points together with males’s psychological well being, habit and discovering energy in adversity. There’s a hard-earned knowledge to be present in Fender’s typically autobiographical lyrics, maybe finest exemplified by the second single launched from his Man Down EP, Don’t Worry Hazard. “Give me your plans and I’ll take you down, all the way down to the underground”, Fender warns, venturing into territory that’s usually the area of Nick Cave or Iggy Pop.
Fender’s personal feedback on the tune make clear his lyrical issues: “Don’t Worry Hazard explores themes of societal collapse. What occurs when persons are pushed to the brink? When there’s no sense of place in your personal neighborhood. The extremes persons are pushed to when it feels there’s actually nothing to achieve and completely nothing to left to lose”. Musically, the tune skilfully combines uncooked, Pixies-like garage-rock with a distinctly cinematic really feel and Fender’s trademark refined composition, with a cleverly crafted bridge organising a highly effective refrain. The sudden coda concludes this dramatic tune with an emphatic flourish.
The EP opener Cowl Up is one thing else fully – a beautiful ballad buoyed on heat Fender Rhodes electrical piano chords and embellished by an beautiful guitar solo worthy of Glen Campbell. As is so typically the case with Fender’s recordings, the association of Cowl Up is clever, considerate and beautifully executed, offering a simpatico framing for a few of Fender’s most touching lyrics as he sings: “You lined me once I wanted you, so know that I’m right here to cowl you.” In its personal tender, under-stated manner, Cowl Up is one among Fender’s best songs thus far, an insightful celebration of a permanent relationship or friendship.
Reviewing the tile observe in October, Louder Than Battle described it as “wide-screen but tender…invitations comparisons with Richard Hawley or Scott Walker.” Within the context of the EP, Man Down feels one among a chunk lyrically with Cowl Up and Don’t Worry Hazard, the three songs exploring completely different facets of the present psychological well being disaster affecting so many males. Fender’s alluring melodic sensibilities will hook in informal listeners, nevertheless it’s the knowledge and compassion contained in these songs that may win hearts.
The epic slow-burn of Greatest Is But to Come closes the EP on an uplifting observe, as Fender implores, “Don’t let me go, as a result of the very best is but to return”. Judging by the standard of the songs the Tynesider has launched on his two EPs up to now, it’s no idle boast.
See Liam Fender dwell with particular visitors at The Trade 1856, North Shields on December seventh.
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Liam Fender is on Instagram and Fb
Phrases by Gus Ironside, 2024.
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