After a lengthy hiatus from performing, Doncaster’s own Gerard Frain has released the first single from his upcoming album ‘Nowadays Malaise’, titled; At Times (You Just Can’t Win’).
Produced, written and performed all by Gerard himself, his sound is built with DIY roots, keeping the musicianship relatively simple pushing his lyricism as the shining star of his work.
Taking a low-fi route in regards to percussion, the drums combined with the chugging of the guitar provides a great background for the bassline to kick things into gear: keeping low, groovy and contrasting the simplicity to allow for a smooth vocal introduction.
With the DIY-style of McCartney and similarly pronounced vocals to Lennon’s solo work, Gerard’s voice comes in with real swagger and really encapsulates the old-school vibe, sharing miseries with an almost juxtaposing level of acceptance.
The central part of ‘At Times (You Just Can’t Win)’ provides a piano solo that feels so intricate in comparison to the other musical components whilst also fitting the sound beautifully, taking a moodier tone and hamming up the hopelessness of never being able to win.
Very Lennon-esque in it’s entirety, Gerard Frain manages to create such a classic feel with very little and despite not winning any awards for pure skill, the atmosphere created is a pleasant mix of moody and groovy.
A thoroughly enjoyable listen, Frain shows that you don’t need to be bold to be big in the music world.
Playing for the first time with his live band in his home town this autumn, this coincides with the release of his debut album and it could certainly be one to keep an eye on!
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