One of the UK's most refreshing rockers, Sam Fender adds to his consistent collection of songs with Wild Grey Ocean.
Once again, Sam Fender offers up a heartfelt study on youth and loss. Tentative yet steady
percussion draws you in, the mechanical beat a reminder of his industrial roots which are
intertwined throughout so many of Fender’s tracks. The musical starkness enchants you with the
imagery of the bleak northern coastline, the 'wild grey ocean' bearing heavily down. As ever,
Fender’s underlying strength is his lyricism and sincere crafting of imagery, and this piece offers the
listener an opportunity for personal reflection in this way. Breaking through the sense of brooding,
shimmering piano keys provide a gleam of hope and escapism sought after by so many who feel
trapped in their small-town bubble. As the track cautiously builds Fender guides us on his journey as
he ponders past love, heartache and loneliness. Before long we are wrapped in a blanket of mellow
saxophone tones, the recurrent influence of Bruce Springsteen shining through here. This single
provides comforting familiarity, no doubt too familiar for those who feel a sense of repetition in his
music. However, it is nonetheless an important piece; a glimmering reflection which cements Fender
not only in his own musical style but also as the unfaltering representative for the waning voice of
the left behind.
Alice Beard
Edited by: Ewan Samms
In article video courtesy of Sam Fender via YouTube.
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