Black Tambourine is the latest single to be drawn Withered Hand's wonderful album New Gods released earlier this year. [check out our review here]
Having already received fine praise from Scotland’s lyrical royalty King Creosote and Justin Currie, the pretender may not yet have ascended to the throne; however it is only a few short steps away on this form. Dan Willson is a master of words, rhymes, melodies and hooks, and all are crammed to bursting into this pop gem. Guesting on this single are Pam Berry (Black Tambourine) and Eugene Kelly (The Vaselines), each bringing their own indie influences to the song – including the name of the track in Berry’s case - but never overpowering the distinctive vision that is Willson's.
A short drum build cuts to a cry of “I’m older now, but I feel the same” and from there we are enveloped in warmth of vocals and guitar which swoops and glides, soaring and lifting all the way to, “Light me up with your smile!”
At which point we wonder, how did he know I was smiling? Of course you were smiling, it is impossible not to.
- Bobby Motherwell
Withered Hand - Black Tambourine is out now via Slumberland Records / FortunaPOP! and is available from all good online music retailers.
