The Happy Wanderer - Smokin Eskimo
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Smokin Eskimo are back after achieving success with their last single 'Shrewsbury 17:25'. (Review Here). This saw a distinct step change in sound from their previous releases, moving away from the mellow sounds found on previous tracks such as 'English Meadow' and 'For the Moment' to a bold and bluesy sound, highlighting the bands versatility.
Smokin Eskimo are a 3 - piece originals bands from Bilston, West Midlands. Combining a blend of blues & rock styles, they cater for a wide range of listeners. Their lyrical content covers many aspects of modern life; from deep thoughts of the universe to taking a drive through the Countryside. These are complimented well by a solid backline and memorable, somewhat exciting riffs to get you on your feet.
Heavily influenced by 60's psychedelic rock and blues, 90's Britpop with a smattering of jazz and funk, giving Smokin Eskimo a multi-genre sound that doesn't allow them to fall into one specific category.
‘The Happy Wanderer’ is the bands 9th single and once again see’s the band mix things up and change the vibe, variety is the spice of life after all and yet again shows us that these lads can turn their hands to pretty much anything when it comes to music, it highlights their confidence and ability to take risks, and not conform to the norm and they do it well…very well.
Confidence and ability
So, to the track itself...
Hushed rhythms
It’s a 4-minute instrumental, however, it needs no words or vocal, the vibe and the feeling within the music speaks for itself, allowing you to interpret it in whatever way you choose. A mix of acoustic overlaid with a delicious lead and back with hushed rhythms allows you to simply float away into space and time.
An ambience that is soothing
It has a melancholy feel, causing reflection and thought, this intensifies with the introduction of a drum pattern. Its dreamy and has an ambience that is soothing. The lead meanders and shimmers throughout, creating emotion and feeling, it’s a track that needs no vocal, the guitar says it all, elements of jazz fused with deep rooted blues create a sound that is unique in today’s climate.
It cleanses and refreshes the soul
As I said, it does feel melancholic yet its bright in tone, you can almost feel the music wash over you, it cleanses and refreshes the soul. The title is apt, you find yourself on a journey as the track ebbs and flows. As the track builds so does the anticipation, drawing you in, i find it quite addictive, the palette of sound and the easy laid back rhythm allows you to drift away.
The lead meanders and shimmers throughout
Smokin Eskimo are a band that mean business, they do their own thing, it is impossible to pigeonhole them into a specific genre, they have created their own sound, they have the ability to use their influences well without duplication. Now Chris, Jim and Jake are busy recording new material, continuing their winning streak after a run of gigs in Manchester, Shrewsbury, Stafford-shire and Sheffield.
The variety in their music is to be applauded, every track has a message, the feeling within that message is highlighted in the musicianship, this track is now different, so dim the lights, sit back and let The Happy wanderer take you on a journey, drift away and just feel it.
A link to their socials and more here
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