“Nuanced and Connected” : Sam Fender Releases ‘People Watching’
Album Review ★ Elsa Commander ★ @elsa.com.photos ★ 600 words
Last month, British artist Sam Fender released a third album. Unlike his previous two full length releases, People Watching follows a more personal, reflective thread of lyricism and timbre.
The title track is punchy and clean, reminiscing on the coping mechanisms that emerge from losing a loved one. With all the power and damnation that can be heard in a chorus, Fender exclaims “Somebody’s darling’s on the street tonight”, leaving a trail of political blood to set the tone for the rest of the album; emotional and political - carefully embellished together in a harmony of sound.
Fender has always managed to create iconic and memorable guitar licks in his music, and this album proves no different; the introductory guitar riffs in Nostalgia’s Lie and Arm’s Length are addictive and fulfilling - each song is layer upon layer of compelling thought and carefully arranged timing. Fender’s bass-lines become main characters in this selection of songs; most tracks give them a melody of their own. These bass-lines, especially nearing the end of Wild Long Lie, are often just as recognizable as lyrics like “sometimes it’s healthier to wallow in it” from Chin Up. In this third track, hearty piano and vivid strings come together with Sam Fender’s alternative rock sound like butter to bread; smooth - you now could never imagine having one without the other.
In Crumbling Empire, Fender takes on the challenges of the current economic climate in the UK, criticizing the government for leaving good, hard working people “homeless, down and out, in their crumbling empire”. With a steady paced rhythm, this track is a quietly defiant statement on the UK political system in the twenty-first century. Taking a similar approach, Fender then criticizes aspects of the Christian church in Little Bit Closer, crying passionately ‘If this is a sin, I’ll burn with everybody that I know.’
Rein Me In, a track that revolves around the intricacies of human relationships, creates an addictive melody of clean bass sound and self-judgemental lyrics. Following on is TV Dinner, another anti-capitalist anthem, heavy with anger-drenched litanies of political criticism. The smokey growls of Fender’s guitar at the crux of the song pull together the power and determination behind it; slowing against the fast-paced rhythm of the unrelenting lyrics. Cursing the people at the forefront of the creative/commercial world, Fender expresses his experience of dwindling hope that stems from the neglect of the music industry, and the measures one takes to avoid being swallowed in the chaos.
Something Heavy has the opposite sound to the suggestion of its title; an acoustic guitar led, reflective track focusing in on the shared experience of modern human life. It serves as a gentle predecessor to the closing track on the album; Remember My Name. If there was ever a Sam Fender song which could draw tears to your eyes, it would be this one. Remember My Name reflects on the memories of Fender’s late grandparents, with a somber orchestral accompaniment to heart-wrenching lyrics: “To them it’s a council house, to me it’s a home.” This song is a testament to Fender’s songwriting, and it leaves the album with a teary-eyed finish.
Sam Fender’s third full length release is a well rounded, highly polished album - nuanced and connected to the issues of the present day. People Watching is a rock album that deserves a listen - you’ll be missing out if you don’t give it a chance!
