London-based songwriter Andy Smythe delivers an impactful English protest song ahead of his eighth album, Quiet Revolution, with the excellent lead single “Life of a Man.” Channeling the bluesy pop sounds of Van Morrison and The Waterboys, Smythe tackles the modern societal struggle for Gen Z, quoting Thomas Hobbes to spotlight a generation navigating scarce opportunities and impossible living costs with a gritty, melodic, and deeply relatable resilience.
A stylish charisma is evident right away, as spurts of brass and debonair harmonica intertwine — fondly recalling the sophisti-pop of Danny Wilson. A title-bearing introspection ensues as the vocals emerge, lamenting “no escape, no way out” and driving into a gorgeous hookiness — “hoping that the wind will change” as backing vocal harmoniousness becomes enjoyably prominent. A celebration of individuality is inherent, and so is the struggle to remain true to oneself while still making a living in minimum wage conditions, “filled with rage.”
A playful splish-splashing lyrical sequence furthers the relatable, step-by-step narration. “I keep on walking these streets, hoping that the wind will change,” the memorable hook reprises, the bluesy harmonica-touched punctuation delighting there and into the wholly satisfying finale. Resonating with a relatable, Billy Bragg-esque modern-day living prowess, “Life of a Man” is a standout showing from Andy Smythe.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
