It’s always interesting when a band comes along with a musical influence that doesn’t quite match the general theming of a genre. Sig and The Fire Pilots, an up-and-coming three-piece from Cannock, gift a prime example with this new single. Almost Out Of Time.
With a funky mixture of Punk theming, spliced into a Ska-style delivery, it’s something different and unusual. Going with that Punk theming first, Almost Out Of Time’s lyrics are a clear and concise dissection of the modern world and how it feels like everything is going to hell. It’s a fairly standard exploration of topics and metaphors that keep within those lines.
The difference is the packaging, with all this wrapped up in a slow jams-style Ska delivery.
One where there’s a large amount of funky guitar and bass, plenty of snares, and a steady delivery throughout. It’s bordering on Reggae for a lot of it, and whilst some Reggae outfits have dipped their toes into a more political message, it’s not the most common of things.
So where does this unusual mish-mash leave us? Well for those who don’t want a head-banging, blood-pulsing, fist-bumping, kind of political track, this is for you. The beat is pleasant, low-fi, and easygoing, but with a tragic edge that means you aren’t going to be jumping around partying. It’s here to simultaneously be that slow jam and to be a morally motivated track.
With a slow two-step beat, a silky vocal performance, and the aforementioned funk guitar riffs, you’ll get some head-nodding for sure.
That’s where this marriage of motifs greatly excels, with its gripping music that’ll make you intently listen to the whole track with a steady descent into a hypnotic track.
Everything is clear as crystal, with the simple and minimal delivery making each facet of the track easy to pick out. It also serves to let things breathe easily throughout, not clogging up the chilled vibe with unneeded sounds.
Sig and The Fire Pilots, succeed in crafting a solid track that’s set apart from quite a lot of sounds you’ll hear. Utilising a unique and interesting mix of influences to subvert expectations and grab attention not just to the song or themselves, but the clear message they’re sending.