“Feed The Flames” by Gemma Hayes – A Song Feature

 

     The vocals of “Feed The Flames" have a gripping intimacy as the song explores the fragility of a relationship. The voice of Gemma Hayes is simultaneously vulnerable, seductive and courageous as she uses the metaphor that relates fire to a romance. Our understanding of the lyrics is included at the bottom of this post, but there might be errors.
 
     In explaining the motivation for “Feed The Flames,” Gemma Hayes said:
  “I originally began writing the song after watching ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Knowing a bit about their relationship off screen I was really taken by the depth of their connection; it was a living, breathing fire.
  What I got from delving into their relationship is that you can love something or someone so much only for your human fallibility to come along and destroy it.”
 
     The instrumental arrangement is also noteworthy. The lower complexity and texturing during the first verse of “Feed The Flames” ensures that the focus is on the lyrical description and vocal emotion. The texturing and power vary during the almost three and a half minutes, with a peak during the layered vocals and backing anguish within the final minute.
 
     The song is the second that will be included on an upcoming album, which will be the first LP from Hayes in a decade. In promotion of the new music, an Irish tour has been scheduled (for dates, visit the website identified in this post). The video was shot in West Cork, to where the Tipperary-born musician recently relocated. 
 
     “Feed The Flames” by Gemma Hayes

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Lyrics of “Feed The Flames” by Gemma Hayes
The hush of night woke up
I’m waiting for it now
I’m gonna gather up sticks and stones
Go somewhere I don’t know
 
I see you and know that you see me
But it’s hard to meet your eyes
I wanna tell you
I wanna tell you, but I just can’t say it
 
Hey man, our house is burning now
Can’t seem to care
I keep trying
When we feed the flames
All I feel is free. Free
 
I think you got something to say to me
It’s just beyond your mouth
I wanna tear it out
 
We try, but I won’t hold on to the memories
Now that I keep walking
Till I reach my hallowed ground
When I turn to look, you’ve left for the people
 
Hey man, our house is burning now
Can’t seem to care
I keep trying
When we feed the flames
All I feel is free. Free
 
Hey man, I think you’re losing me
All your talk, but the words won’t catch
Come on and feed the flames
And set us, set us free. Free
 
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you but I…
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you but I…
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you but I…
I wanna, but I just can’t say it
 
Hey man, our house is burning and
Can’t seem to care
I keep trying
When we feed the flames
All I feel is free. Free. Free
 
Hey man, I think you’re losing me
All your talk, but the words won’t catch
Come on and feed the flames
And set us, set us free. Free. Free
 
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you but I…
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you but I…
I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you but I…
I wanna
 

“House Rules” by Lamplight – A Song Feature

 

     “House Rules” is strong for three minutes and then powerful during the conclusion that follows. The song from Lamplight is a contemplation on grief and one’s relationships with those who have passed. We are posting the song today in honor of a friend who passed one year ago after a hard-fought and courageous battle with an all-to-common disease.
 
     Lamplight is the project of Ian Hatcher-Williams, who is preparing for the release of his self-titled debut LP. The LP will drop on March 8th, 2024, via Western Vinyl. While talking about the single “House Rules,” Hatcher-Williams explained:
  “Death has always been a deafening reminder that the anger and resentment we carry with us isn't worth the weight it bears. This song came in the form of a mantra to myself, spilling out as I was grieving just days before the recording session, thinking the record might get canned. Love as many as you can, and forgive the rest. As we all hurtle to our end, love is all there is time for.”
 
     “House Rules” by Lamplight      

Lyrics of “House Rules” by Lamplight
Windows rattle, moneys tight
Burned both ends of that candle I liked
 
From the old, up sprouts the new
Life moves on and so will you
Look back fondly keep who you can
Don't keep guns inside the house
 
Take the train down through the valley
Leaves are changing just like me
Every good fruit has a season
Learn to love the smell of decay
 
From the old, up sprouts the new
Life moves on and so will you
Look back fondly keep who you can
Don't keep guns inside the house
 
Teddy's sleeping, pushing daisies
Thought I heard him follow me
Kill to hold him one more minute
Can't clean up that carpet stain
 
From the old, up sprouts the new
Life moves on and so will you
Look back fondly keep who you can
Don't keep guns inside the house

“I Want You To Know Me” by Sea Girls – A Song Feature

 

     Meet the new champion of the ex-factor. A few years ago, a highly successful singer/songwriter was famous for her songs admonishing ex-boyfriends, including John Mayer. Sea Girls also write songs about an ex, but from a significantly different perspective. The band has dropped several songs that delve into ongoing romantic sentiment, even love, for an ex-girlfriend. The most recent one is “I Want You To Know Me.”
 
     In 2022, Sea Girls released “Sleeping With You,” which tells a current love interest that “Though I'm sleeping with you // I, I never forget her, I never forget her.” That same year, “Hometown” was a nostalgic return to the location and experiences of growing up, and the focus was on activities with a girl with whom he shared many experiences. Earlier, the lyrics of “All I Want To Hear You Say” were directed at an ex-girlfriend who had reached her dreams of being successful in a television career.
 
     Sea Girls explains that “I Want You To Know Me” is Part Two of their previously released discussion with the ex-girlfriend who is now a celebrity. While she is “on every screen, On the Tube, every magazine,” he is “merely” striving to be successful. But he has the required ambition. Despite the subject matter, the song is an energetic crowd pleaser.  
 
     “I Want You To Know Me” is one of 12 songs on a forthcoming third album, “Midnight Butterflies.” The album is scheduled for release on June 14, 2024. Sea Girls are a UK band comprising Henry Camamile (vocals, guitar), Rory Young (lead guitar), Andrew Dawson (bass), and Oli Khan (drums). Interesting content about the upcoming album is quoted below:
  “Midnight Butterflies” is focused melodic joy, pop perfection in twelve parts. It’s the confident sound of a band arriving at their peak. It’s smart, positive pop music for the 21st century that is genuine, authentic, and with a positive message running all the way through. Sea Girls creatively are utterly rejuvenated on this record, a true artistic statement. The band’s previous two albums have been building towards this moment, and this totally modern, open-hearted four piece are set for their biggest year yet.
   Frontman Henry Camamile says of the record, “It feels and sounds like a fledgling band making their energetic untainted debut record. It's super optimistic and euphoric. There was a huge freedom in making this record. It’s an exciting time for music across genres, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
 
     “I Want You To Know Me” by Sea Girls

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Lyrics of “I Want You To Know Me” by Sea Girls
There's a storm cloud in my head
And I try to look my best
But the music's always sad
And it's almost always bad
 
Cause you're on every screen
On the Tube, every magazine
And I wanna get out of here
If not now then next year
 
I drove past your road last night
I sat by the wall
Where you shared your dreams
And I said nothing at all
 
But I wanna be a dancer "I can't dance"
I wanna be an astronaut "No chance"
I wanna be the singer in a pop band
And I want you to know me
I wanna be a star on a TV show
Who always saves the day with seconds to go
And I wanna be somebody I don't know
And I want you to know me
 
Cause I want you to know me
I want you to know me
I want you to know me
 
So what am I gonna do
A boy like me
Who wants to be someone like you
And all that bubble gum ain't sweeter than that
 
I'm gonna gonna pay off all my debts
With my voice
Right hand and my chest
Hey man, hey man
You got to really understand
 
I smoked on your road last night
I sat by the wall
Where you shared your dreams
And I said nothing at all
 
But I wanna be a dancer "I can't dance"
I wanna be an astronaut "No chance"
I wanna be the singer in a pop band
And I want you to know me
I wanna be a star on a TV show
Who always saves the day with seconds to go
And I wanna be somebody I don't know
And I want you to know me
 
I want you to know me
Yeah I want you to know me
I want you to know me
 
Thought I saw you out last night but
I'm not so sure
Thought I heard you say something but
It's probably nothing at all, at all
 
But I wanna be a dancer "I can't dance
I wanna be an astronaut "No chance"
I wanna be the singer in a pop band
And I want you to know me
I wanna be a star on a TV show
Who always saves the day with seconds to go
And I wanna be somebody I don't know
And I want you to know me

“As We Do” by Bite The Bullet – A Song Feature

 

    Listening to “As We Do,” different influences come to mind as the song unfolds over its almost 5-minute duration. Still, the single from Bite The Bullet stands on its own, and stands strong.
 
     In the early portion of “As We Do,” the vocals and percussion command attention. The voice of lead singer Thomas Storgaard Christiansen shares characteristics with Brandon Flowers of The Killers. Just past the 30-second mark, rhythm pushes its way into prominence. The beat of the kick drum is demanding, but the synth plays an equal role. LCD Soundsystem is our initial thought, until the MGMT-like synth begins surfacing periodically. As one example, Bite The Bullet channel an MGMT sound at the 3:23 mark of “As We Do.”
 
     Bite The Bullet is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to frontman Thomas Storgaard Christiansen, the band comprises guitarist and multi instrumentalist Paw Eriksen, and bass and synth player Christian Norup. “As We Do” is the first release from an upcoming EP, “TBR.” The EP is expected before summer 2024. They are scheduled for shows in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and in Denmark in connection with the EP release.
 
     Quoting helpful information about Bite the Bullet:
  The band is known to ignite the crowds wherever they play and has build up a loyal fan base across borders with their energetic and captivating live shows. Especially in the GSA region the band has toured intensively at clubs and venues where their blistering synth and riff-driven retro sound have gathered a faithful and party ready crowd. Since 2013, they have blended their riff-driven rock sound with flammable electro beats, catchy pop hooks with rave energy. They have three albums and two EP’s on their back and have toured heavily in many European countries
 
     “As We Do” by Bite The Bullet

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