New Band of the Day: Jake Bugg
7th September 2012
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From the heart of the English Midlands a cosmopolitan wonder has appeared in the form of Jake Bugg. Emerging from Nottingham, Jake and his acoustic guitar seamlessly weave multiple genres together creating a sound that can only be described as astounding.
Take ‘Lightning Bolt’ which is a journey through musical history and genres. In battling his lightning bolt Jake climbs across high Belle and Sebastian-esque indie pop and low Libertinian classic indie, while also traversing the low plains of country and folk rock. He even manages a small infusion of something heavier in a gritty electric guitar instrumental. Impressively, these travels are no meandering wander, but a well navigated journey in which Jake can always be located in the heart of Nottingham.
While Jake’s music is free though, he is lyrically trapped in a city which he feels is holding him back. This is only too clear in ‘Trouble Town’ where he’s “stuck in speed bump city/ Where the only thing that’s pretty/ Is the thought of getting out”.
Supplying Iron Maiden, Depeche Mode, Editors and even The Wanted with members, it can’t be said Nottingham doesn’t have a rich music scene. You only have to look at Jake’s up and coming town-fellows Dog is Dead to see that. So why do Jake’s songs all look so negatively upon his hometown?
Trouble Town by Jake Bugg
Without his itchy feet Jake’s music wouldn’t be as rhythmically ambitious or lyrically poetic so I guess we shouldn’t complain about his antagonistic relationship with Nottingham. A boy who’s debut songs have shown his ability to reach far and wide without overstretching himself, Jake can keep your travels going this Autumn as the cold weather creeps in.
Take ‘Lightning Bolt’ which is a journey through musical history and genres. In battling his lightning bolt Jake climbs across high Belle and Sebastian-esque indie pop and low Libertinian classic indie, while also traversing the low plains of country and folk rock. He even manages a small infusion of something heavier in a gritty electric guitar instrumental. Impressively, these travels are no meandering wander, but a well navigated journey in which Jake can always be located in the heart of Nottingham.
While Jake’s music is free though, he is lyrically trapped in a city which he feels is holding him back. This is only too clear in ‘Trouble Town’ where he’s “stuck in speed bump city/ Where the only thing that’s pretty/ Is the thought of getting out”.
Supplying Iron Maiden, Depeche Mode, Editors and even The Wanted with members, it can’t be said Nottingham doesn’t have a rich music scene. You only have to look at Jake’s up and coming town-fellows Dog is Dead to see that. So why do Jake’s songs all look so negatively upon his hometown?
Trouble Town by Jake Bugg
Without his itchy feet Jake’s music wouldn’t be as rhythmically ambitious or lyrically poetic so I guess we shouldn’t complain about his antagonistic relationship with Nottingham. A boy who’s debut songs have shown his ability to reach far and wide without overstretching himself, Jake can keep your travels going this Autumn as the cold weather creeps in.
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