Blame it on the Kraken
The Smokin’ Pilchards
As the old saying goes ‘Good things come to those who wait’. With the launch of their highly anticipated new album, The Smokin’ Pilchards have delivered something that was definitely worth the wait. Hindered, like so many bands during 2020, The Smokin’ Pilchards had to delay plans to release their latest musical offering to the world. However, this delay has only increased the energy and enthusiasm that the band have poured into executing the final product.
Embracing their unique sound, akin to the Madness meets Fisherman’s Friends the band cast their net into the deep waters of inspiration and make a good haul. From songs involving Davee Jones, to reflections on recent events, and even a tale of an inept U-Boat Captain and his fight with a Kraken, the band have embraced what makes them who they are and crafted an album that weaves a tale as well as imparts some wisdom along the way.
As you listen it becomes clear that both the acoustic guitar and saxophone play leading rolls in the bands musical structure. Each song is either lead or carried along by the steady strum of the warm guitar and is then uplifted by the free flow of the saxophone that drives the riffs and hooks throughout the tracks. All the while, each instrument is given it’s time to shine and plays a vital role in filling out the sound of the band. For example, on the track ‘Creepy Crawlies’ its main riff is brought in nicely on the electric guitar and is then joined in tandem by the saxophone that lets a real movement to the song.
Throughout the whole album each instrument has its role to play and does it’s best to renforce the intended sound. Whether its the easy folk rock groove of ‘Wooden Soul’ or the gentle atmosphere of ‘Sailor’s Lament’ the band pour care and effort into creating the right kind of soundscape to float their story across. With a mix of creative licence and real world inspiration The Smokin’ Pilchards tell each story with everything they have. This is clear in the intense and confident delivery of each line from lead singer John Cartwright.
Overall ‘Blame it on the Kraken’ is not only an incredible name for an album, but is also a well crafted passion project that showcases the bands unique sound and ability to tell a tale in a meaningful and engaging way. It’s an album packed with both earnest and fun storytelling and will havesomething for everyone who listens. The wait may have been longer than intended but the pay off has been worth it. So give it a listen and remember, if in doubt, just, blame it on the Kraken.
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