Injections of soul, indie, and folk styles into the charts have rarely come about in recent times, but Tom Grennan’s music is an exception to the trend!
He was born in Bedford, but is based in London – the city where he began gig-ing around with his acoustic guitar whilst attending university. This was perhaps a result of ‘musical fate’, as the then-teenage Tom was on track to a promising football career which could take him to the States. However, he said “something was telling me not to…my head was turned by music and people saying I had a voice”…
Well, THANK the music gods!
Grennan’s captivation of the public’s attention first came about through the provision of guest vocals to Chase & Status’ track “All Goes Wrong”. However, he is far from an electronic-pop musician, more-rather writing music exploring blues, soul, and folk. This was clarified in his debut EP “Something in the Water” (2016), where much of the music is simply vocals and guitar with occasional use of bass and drums to create very atmospheric layering. My personal favourite is “Old Songs”, as it showcases Grennan’s edgy, sharp vocals.
Fast-forward two years, Tom Grennan has released two additional EPs and is set to debut his first album, “Lighting Matches”, this coming summer. Xtreme’s Track Of The Week this week is Grennan’s “Sober”, which boasts a string-laden, more upbeat feel ideal for magic-ing up motivation and pushing you through all that revision! The song also demonstrates his expressive – and impressive – vocals, which are rootsy, gritty, and rough (perhaps akin to Rag’n’Bone Man). Grennan’s characteristic mid-range expressions will leave a clear definition in your ears, and you’ll be “Praying” for more of him.
Thank you for reading! You can catch more songs and styles like Tom Grennan (as well as the latest wildlife and environment news!) on my Alt-J Show – Thursdays 4-6pm, on Xtreme Radio!
By Jake Causley (Alt-J Show)
