Giant Killers Proudly Present The Long awaited Debut Album ‘Songs For The Small Places’

Giant Killers have at last released their debut album, ‘Songs For The Small Places,’ nearly thirty years after its initial creation. Blending elements of indie and pop, the album exudes a gentle yet uplifting vibe infused with introspection. It carries a nostalgic touch of the mid-nineties, seamlessly intertwined with contemporary elements.

The indie-pop songwriting pair consists of Jamie Wortley, handling guitar, keys, and lead vocals, alongside Michael Brown, who contributes bass, keys, brass, and vocals. While they secured a deal with MCA Records in the mid-90s and released two singles, including ‘In The End’.  Their album remained unreleased. However, reclaiming their rights, the band now has the opportunity to let their album, ‘Songs For The Small Places’, finally gets its moment in the sun.

With a storied musical background, Giant Killers boasts a diverse heritage. They have graced the stage as openers for Blur during their ‘Country House’ tour and embarked on tours alongside Dr Robert of Blow Monkeys and Nick Heyward. Individually and collectively, they've maintained a presence as gigging musicians and pursued various musical endeavours, including performances at prestigious events like the Glastonbury Festival. The release of their debut album undoubtedly feels like a gratifying milestone for the band.

The album kicks off with ‘Around The Blocks,’ a vibrant and lively track that sets the album's tempo and ambience. It exudes an infectious energy through its gentle and reverberating instrumentals, including a blend of gritty guitar riffs and vintage synths, reminiscent of The Who's ‘Baba O’Riley’ or Simple Minds' ‘Don’t Forget About Me,’ but infused with an indie flair with a tough of the 90s. The vocals are captivating and harmonious, delivering gritty yet nostalgic hometown lyrics such as “Outside the shops, around the blocks the kids that spit and smoke a lot and staring out the local cops it’s bad”. 

‘Who Am I Fooling’ is an introspective composition with melancholic undertones, delving into themes of mourning for lost youth and longing to reclaim it. Contrasted with a synth-heavy, funky melody, it carries an upbeat rhythm that infuses it with a bittersweet, nostalgic essence.

'When This Time Is Over' explores similar themes of fleeting youth, utilising deep drumbeats and evolving gentle guitar riffs that gain richness and depth as the track unfolds. The vocals are captivating, conveying nostalgic sentiments with repetitive lyrics like “When this time is over we will know what it is like when this time is over.”

'Billy The Kid' channels country vibes, featuring deep synths and jangly guitars that transport listeners to the Wild West or a bustling high street in the mid-90s. Giant Killers craft a soundtrack to rebellious youths, exploring themes of growth and maturity, as reflected in the lyrics: “These days in tree-lined avenues, I’m a restless native, I think I’m civilized but it’s a thin veneer”.

‘I Hoped One Day You Would Know’ has a straightforward composition, this track deviates from the dense indie pop sounds prevalent throughout the album. An intense piano takes centre stage, enthralling listeners with subtle stringed instruments in the backdrop. Soft, emotive vocals ponder themes of love and loss, adding depth to the overall atmosphere explored in lyrics such as “I hoped you’d always stay that way, but I knew you never would”. 

'Let Me In' emerges as a tranquil composition, brimming with emotion and evoking memories of Phil Collins’ ‘You'll Be In My Heart’. Its soft melodies unfold through delicate yet profound guitar riffs and percussion, perfectly complementing the enchanting vocals that vividly convey the plea to be allowed into the heart of a loved one.

‘For The Money’ revisits a faster, upbeat tempo and takes the form of an anthem through thunderous drums and a rich guitar with a sparkle of synth. The track reflects on work and pushing through the jobs we don’t often want to do, reminding the listener of why we work as reflected in the lyrics “...and I went to university…why do I work in a factory? I work in a factory, I do it for the money”. 

‘Songs For The Small Places’ serves as a poignant epilogue, narrated through gentle and melodious strings, offering an emotional finale to the eagerly anticipated album. It is the perfect conclusion to ‘Songs For The Small Places.’

After three decades of anticipation, Giant Killers have delivered something truly remarkable. ‘Songs For The Small Places’ is brimming with melodic tunes, blending gritty lyricism and nostalgic nods to the iconic sounds of the '90s. Yet, they also incorporate unexpected elements to diversify the album's tempo and rhythm, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing listening experience.

Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: ‘Songs For All The Small Places’ Official Album Cover