Playlouder - Music is the Network

Glasvegas’ second single has all the emotional weight of their first, all the distortion-drenched classic rock ‘n’ roll appeal, and all the instantly-recognisable hallmarks of a bona fide classic.

James Allan’s skill as a songwriter lies in bringing original perspectives to established themes. A simple concept, but one that the Jack Peñates of this world have yet to grasp. ‘Daddy’s gone’ tackled the heartbreak of a fatherless child, and ‘It’s my own cheating heart that makes me cry’ explores the self-inflicted emotional scars of the self-loathing libertine:

“I’m feeling so guilty about the things I said to my ma when I was ten years old,” arrives as a shocking and sobering thought in the middle of this chorusless tear-jerking rant of a song, and cuts right into the gristle of a life-giving organ, tearing it open so that it can see the light of day for the first time.

After the pretty damn classy, possibly tongue-in-cheek, line, “what’s the story morning glory? / I feel so low and worthless”, there’s a severely rock ‘n’ roll “Yeah!” and a choppy fanfare of guitars that sounds perfectly celebratory. That’s the thing; it’s not that the infidelity of our protagonist is being championed here, (as is too often the case in rock), it’s more like his impending demise is being heralded as a necessary and just release from the agony of living a lie. And Allan crams in lines that barely fit at times, spilling them out like guts. It’s just perfect.

You can’t get copies of ‘Daddy’s Gone’ for love, but moneywise they’re already up on e-bay for fifty quid (and counting). One imagines it’ll be pretty difficult to get hold of a physical copy of this one, but it’s well worth seeking out, purchasing, and holding close to your heart.

If Glasvegas keep up these standards, they truly will be the unstoppable force they’re tipped as.