Tapir!’s New Single ‘Nail in a Wooden Trunk' Captures The Essence Of A Fading Summer

As the sun clings to the final remnants of British summer and the colder months begin to creep in, there comes a peaceful moment of reflection—a brief pause between the seasons that allows us to gently untangle our fondest memories of the year so far.

2024 has already been a remarkable year for new music, with countless bands making their mark, but one group in particular has consistently captivated fans, both old and new. Tapir!, with their whimsical style of alternative folk, have spread these folky sounds across the country’s live music scene, enchanting all in their path. 

Following the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘The Pilgrim, Their God And The King Of My Decrepit Mountain’ in January, the band has spent the year enthralling audiences, weaving compassionate tales and colourful instrumentation into unforgettable live performances. After a busy festival season and a string of gigs across the EU, they’ve truly cemented their brilliance. 

While performing their debut album in full at celebrated venues like Kings Place in London and Trix Café in Antwerp, some of their recent shows have been blessed with the unveiling of new, unreleased songs. Now, as the trees shed their summer leaves and we reach for another layer to fend off the approaching frost, Tapir!’s latest release, ‘Nail In A Wooden Trunk’, seems perfectly timed to echo the fading warmth of the summer season.

From its very beginning, ‘Nail In A Wooden Trunk’ weaves magic, soaring across a landscape of alternative folk with a tone that feels almost campfire-esque. Imagine the bending branches and the grass swaying in the wind as the song’s infectious melody drifts in and out of earshot, mirroring the gentle transition from summer to autumn. In contrast to the whimsical narrative of the band’s debut album, this new single takes a more intimate turn, exploring themes of love and kinship. The band's harmonies and ensemble work bring these themes to life, creating a sound both tender and familiar as each instrument returns to the track’s catchy melody.

Where Tapir! tracks like ‘Untitled’ and ‘On A Grassy Knoll’ dance meticulously into place, ‘Nail In A Wooden Trunk’ feels more carefree, beautifully relaxed, yet no less heartfelt. Lead singer Ike Grey’s lyricism shines here, evoking the natural world with folk-like musings reminiscent of a fireside tale. Instruments weave in and out of unison, and the lyrics follow a repeated phrase: “Do you wanna be on the same team or do you wanna play the game”, delivering a tuneful simplicity that feels almost like a chant or a nursery rhyme. 

Recorded at East London’s Refreshment Centre, much like their popular single ‘My God’, the track closely mirrors Tapir!’s live sound, embracing the slight imperfections that reflect the camaraderie at the heart of the band's music. Alongside their recent release, ‘Hallelujah Bruv’, ‘Nail In A Wooden Trunk’ reassures us that Tapir! show no signs of slowing down, continuing to craft songs that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a much-loved summer, even as the seasons change.

  

Ewan Bourne

 @doubleyellow__

Image: ‘Nail In A Wooden Trunk’ Official Single Cover