Charlie Simpson

3 years ago I blogged about Charlie Simpson's band, Fightstar, and was quite impressed. One of the biggest draws was Simpson's voice. It immediately draws you in with its rasp and tone. Charlie is now going at it alone with his solo album Young Pilgrim expected to drop on August 15th in the UK. (No word yet on a US release) 

First single "Down Down Down" has been on  a loop since I first heard it. A touching ballad that incorporates lush vocal harmonies and lyrics that cut to the bone. (My nights are so long without you and my days speed up, my God, I'll never let go of you now) After hearing a couple of tracks off the new album, Simpson is heading into a new territory. Less hard rock, more instrumentation; a more singer/songwriter vibe. He wouldn't be out of place at a Mumford & Sons concert oddly enough, especially on "Farmer and His Gun". The change is exquisite and works on so many levels. Fingers crossed that Young Pilgrim will make the jump across the pond.

Charlie Simpson- Facebook

Down Down Down-

Fightstar

You know how you buy a CD because you like one song and then realize that the rest of the album is not very good? I did that a lot before iTunes let me buy just what I wanted. I am thankful for this because of my latest find, Fightstar. Apparently they are some kind of screamo rock group. I was unaware of this until I heard a couple of tracks. Just when I was about to give them up, I played their song The English Way, and was blown away.

This song is beyond great. Let's start with singer Charlie Simpson, who is a big deal in England. He kind of have a Gavin Rossdale quality to his singing style. His voice has such an urgency behind it. In this song, he doesn't scream but sings with a brilliant melody. The lyrics are also great with lines like I will never give up on you for all the times you sat and sang to me trying to make me better.

The English Way is apparently Fightstar's new single off their upcoming third album due in early 2009. Any song that can combine, choir chants, disjointed rounds, and a hook to match is fine by me. Also look out for their song Floods. It is very epic and Muse-esque.Let's hope that this song is a step in the right direction for a band that would do better if it realized the potential in singing and not screaming at the listener.

Fightstar-Myspace
The English Way-