Sounds Like A Storm - Try and Entertain Me (Single Review)
*Sounds Like A Storm’s latest single is anthemic, theatrical and packed with electricity; it’s both a relevant and immediate bop. *
Many of us are tired of the tension surrounding the current climate, with days blending together and monotony hanging heavy around our necks while we anxiously twiddle our thumbs for what might appear from the unknown. On the contrary, Sounds Like A Storm feels both inspired and invigorated with energy with their newest single Try and Entertain Me. Both theatrical and raw, the 3-minute tune rockets through a dynamic structure a little off the beaten path. The band’s heartbeat is hot with frustration. A frustration that is ready to be released with as much punk spirit as they can muster from their gut.
I think I’ll start with a little honesty at the start of this review: the band has previously been compared with many of the contemporary British punk-punk movement, which at first got me excited because that’s what has been dominating my personal playlists for a while. But I’ll admit as the opening lyrics “I’ll light another fag” exploded from my speakers I was instantly dubious and thought “Oh God! Not another Northern band who fancies themselves as the new Arctic Monkeys”. Quite frankly, I was too quick to judge, so I continued through my first listen and was my doubts were quick to vanish.
The track oozes with the electricity which good punk causes fans giddy and elated. You can’t dismiss its theatrical charm either, it bounces along during the verses with a charisma that struts, spits and sweats. Sennen Ludman urges people to reconsider the gig economy that perpetuates the overworking and lack of security that permeates modern English youth culture. He further pleads that you [the listener] should “Keep your spirit alive” during these times.
“You slave me/to pay me/I waste it/I crave it” can be interpreted as a criticism to the role we all play in a consumerist culture. Alternatively, it can be read as an observation of the downward spiral caused by indulging on heavy distractions due to the state of the protagonists inner and outer world. Anthemic and poignant, I can visualise a very bitter and passionate call and response segment at a Sounds Like a Storm gig.
Pondering on who the lyric “So entertain me, baby” is aimed at is intriguing, and I think intentionally left vague. A fill in the blank for the listener. It could be the unreliable media coverage, the significant rise of people watching TV during the pandemic, social media, politicians. Whatever it is, it’s filled to brim with sarcasm.
Although the production feels a bit muddy at points (my guess would be heavy use of a limiter), and the multiple vocals in the chorus feel sloppy, in context it feels charming and a raw expression rather than indifferent oversight.
In conclusion, Sound’s Like A Storm’s latest single Try and Entertain Me is well worth your time, especially if you’re into contemporary Post-Punk such as Faux Paus, Idles, The Blinders, Autosuggestion and Life etc. Anthemic, theatrical and packed with electricity; it’s both a relevant and immediate bop. When live gigs are back to normal, you can be sure this reviewer will be getting a ticket.
4/5
Members - Sennen Ludman - Singer/Guitar Joseph Schofield - Drummer Cormac Connolly - Lead guitar Nigel Ngwenya - Bass
Find Sounds Like A Storm on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/soundslikeastorm
Find the song on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/29y1EpEwz87msCTVQkBe30?si=ycwoleK6Qm-ZKwCyy1LdpA
Written by Joshua Ingham