Leeds based artist, Lewis Jack Inman has a new album release, a ten track compilation titled ‘The Squeeze’. Described as being similar to musicians like Nirvana, Pixies and Queens of the Stone Age, you certainly can hear that grungy, alternative sound to his music, but this album also has a really distinctive feel to it that will be exclusively linked to him.
To begin with, ‘The Squeeze’ starts off with a bright, easy to listen to composition named, ‘Daydream’. The title alone gives off a whimsical vibe, and with the jangly guitars, quite an 80’s/90’s vibe and subtle vocals, this feels like remembering a nostalgic summer. That murky, quite distant singing and focal instrumentation really captures that specific feeling and creates a sense of warmth as a result, whilst maintaining a grungy feel.
Track two, ‘Here Now’ feels similar in style, feeling very much like we are still present in that lazy summer, but now there is a slightly slower pace and the guitars are more of a backing role, the vocals more centre stage. The role reversal does little to change the feel of the song, as mentioned, but gives it variety so it doesn’t feel like the same song on repeat.
There is certainly no fear of this during ‘Inside Your Jar’ which has a rockier edge. The intro has more punch than the previous two, but still maintains a level of chill. The guitar power chords really draw attention and the guitar in general drives the song and gives it its momentum. Again, something slightly different, but there is a strong underlying theme.
‘Burn The Bridges’ also feels very different, the opening being more abrupt, the vocals jolting the song into life the moment it starts, alongside a guitar which gives the song its rhythm. This rhythm continues throughout the whole song, only altering the power behind it gradually which somehow makes it feel epic and strong.
Halfway through we reach the slower section of the album. ‘Queen Of Nothing’ which has slow chords and vocal emphasis, a laid back number that feels more emotional due to its consistent quieter sound that is there for the duration of this song. This is followed up by the perfect track as well, ‘Firing Line’ which brings the tone right back up with its melodic chorus, creating a sharp contrast between the two songs. It gives it a rollercoaster effect, a strong storytelling throughout the album, detailing the ups and the downs.
‘Bottle of Wine’ is the longest track on the album, and for good reason. It’s a definite stand out and the chorus is incredibly catchy, feeling so familiar in that nostalgic way once again. Thankfully you get lots of time with the track, including an ending consisting of the chorus being repeated, clearly knowing just how great of a hook it is.
Songs eight and nine, ‘If You Knew’ and ‘Phrases & Phases’ feel fairly similar to tracks two and three. ‘If You Knew’ has an airy atmosphere, quite slow and especially chill. This is much like the second song which has that floaty vibe, highlighting an especially laid back part of the album. And ‘Phrases and Phases’ feels similar to track three in that it follows said laid back track with a rock-like song, similar to ‘Inside Your Jar’. Track nine uses a crunchy riff as the backbone of the song and it’s just a really high energy vibe.
The last track also feels like it is a full circle moment, ending with another song that sounds like it could have come straight out of the 80’s or 90’s and is very reminiscent of times gone by. It’s one of the slower tracks we hear, and with more vocal emphasis on this track than the first and crunchier guitar chords, it’s not quite the same, but it feels like a fitting end to ‘The Squeeze’. The album from start to finish screams brilliance and it’s one you can’t get tired of quickly.
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