Sam Fender’s newest singles settle in for a long winter night
Winding up for his next album People Watching, Sam Fender — the musician dubbed the “English Bruce Springsteen” — is getting his audience ready to settle into the winter season with singles that capture both the frenetic energy and the somber, lonely nights that accompany the cold and short days.
PHOTO BY TISH MURTHA
The first single and title-track, “People Watching,” is a more mature take on the sonics heard in Fender’s previous album Seventeen Going Under. With Fender’s recognizable guitar chords and saxophones making appearances in the bridge, there is a sense of familiarity and the feeling of coming home. In the verses, Fender’s intimate vocals and exploration of the lower part of his tenor make trademark storytelling lyrics feel like a conversation between friends in the corner of a quiet pub. These quieter verses are contrasted by the more anthemic and upbeat chorus, which is bound to be a live show favorite.
A more ballad driven song, “Wild Long Lie” details the struggles of being home and lying to those around you. Clocking in at six minutes, Fender takes his time with his words and tempo, not in a rush to get anywhere. A harpsichord sounding guitar tone throughout the verses makes the song standout from previous tracks. The piano that signifies the start of the chorus opens up the song and introduces the somberness Fender intends to get across.
A bonus tune given to fans is the b-side track to physical editions of the “People Watching” single, “Me And The Dog.” Released on streaming due to public demand, this song is driven by its chugging drum beat. With all the songs released so far focusing on mental health, this could be a popular theme for People Watching, which Fender said via Instagram is about “somebody that was like a surrogate mother” to him who passed away last year.
With a February 11 release date, the singles from this third album show Fender has solidified his sound and is settling into the groove of his music career, getting ready for the long haul.
