NEW ALBUM: Jamie T - 'Trick'

It’s been two years since ‘Carry On The Grudge’ and Jamie has already whipped up a masterpiece. Whilst he’s not the south London cheeky teen from ‘Panic Prevention’ or ‘Kings and Queens’ anymore, the elements are still there. ‘Trick’ has given Jamie the chance to progress and mature as an artist. However, the question people are wondering is, after disappearing off the scene for 5 years prior to ‘Carry On The Grudge’ – was ‘Trick’ rushed? Listen to it, and you’ll find the answer is no. Not at all.

‘Trick’ opens with the dark ‘Tinfoil Boy’. The hard guitar riffs remind me of Rage Against The Machine and the catchy chorus would make a good live song. However, against popular opinion I think this is a weak track compared to the rest. ‘Power Over Men’ is something completely different, the opening and his voice really reminds me of 2011 onwards Arctic Monkeys and gets a bit slower towards the end – perhaps more like something The Last Shadow Puppets would produce.

For the old Jamie T fans they will not be disappointed with ‘Tescoland’ – as it has a fun ‘Kings & Queens’ vibe. As with ‘Soloman Eagle’ which has a good beat and ‘Robin Hood’s catchy lyrics. ‘Dragon Bones’ is less serious compared to the rest of the album, another track that would be amazing live with its bouncy bass.

However, where Jamie’s talent is showcased is in his ‘Sign Of The Times’ and ‘Drone Strike’. The strong vocals and gritty guitar also heard in ‘Police Tapes’ show a darker, but more mature side to Jamie. A massive leap from the ‘Northern Line’ and ‘Sheila’ days.

The album closes with the emotional ‘Self Esteem’. An exceptional way for Jamie to show the world his talent and progression. His pleasing voice coupled with the dramatic violin composes a genuine sound.

TOP TRACKS:

5. ‘Joan Of Arc’ – From the beginning Jamie’s distinguishable south London voice booms through telling the story of a broken-hearten girl. Two things I love best about his music, the ability to tell a story with such a good voice. This upbeat track with strong guitar riffs and strong sing-a-long vocals would be great live.

4. ‘Crossfire Love’ – When I first heard this I thought of ‘368’ from his 2009 album ‘Kings & Queens’. His fast verses will please fans of the first albums and his slower, more mature chorus shows his progression as an artist.

3. ‘Sign Of The Times’ – Wow was my first thought, really really impressed with this song. This is by far one of the best he has produced, his talent shines out throughout with his strong vocals. The emotional ballad has him singing “I was never enough” in the chorus but boy, he defiantly is enough.

2. ‘Police Tapes’ – One of the best in the album. It’s gritty, it’s strong, it’s angry. The heavy throbbing guitar reminds me of a tamer slower 1980s Black Sabbath. It works really well with Jamie’s bitter rap and roaring voice.

1. ‘Drone Strike’ – The intro builds up the suspense, you just know it’s going to be a great tune. You are not disappointed. Jamie angrily raps over a heavy beat, the bridge slows and calms the track down a little but is swiftly broken at the end. By the end you feel a little confused but defiantly a little angry.

WATCH: Jamie T - Power Over Men

After this album it is clear Jamie’s onto big things. I’m excited to see how his shows go (no doubt they’ll be awesome, as always) and what the future holds musically for him.

Next week he’s back home in south London to play his album release show in Kingston. Then at the end of the month he begins his UK tour starting in Dublin.

You can download ‘Trick’ from iTunes, Spotify or buy from Store.

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