Guest review by Captain’s Bar events manager, Say Something Music label owner and promoter Scott Evans
Secret City Souls were – until recently – a four-piece pop punk band from Stoke. But now with additional new member Tyler Bailey on rhythm guitar, it not only increases the head count to five, but frees up lead singer Ryan Dawkins to focus on vocal duties.
Another Life is their third single, following Safe and Sound and Love Blind. Recorded at Lower Lane Studios in the expert hands of Sam Bloor, you already know it’s going to sound great and it really does – the production is perfect. Picked guitar opens the song ready for the explosion of instruments at the 10 second mark. Sam has a well deserved reputation for getting a great drum sound and this is why – Kyle Jackson’s kit sounds incredible.
The song style sits firmly in the pop punk genre which gives it an air of familiarity but it is written and performed so well that it puts the song at the top of that category, they deserve much love for the backing vocals/harmonies alone. The band have already openly stated that this song is the best sounding song yet and they are quite right to shout about it. The chorus is brilliantly executed, with Alex Willis’ chiming guitar overlaying a solid backing of chugging strings, a solid rhythm section aided by Connor Barratt’s bass and pitch perfect vocal harmonies.
I’m a bit of a sucker for a good drop out and slow build in a song, something to add light and shade; the bridge section has this down to a fine art. Lyrically the song deals with the subject of losing a loved one. Ryan’s mum suffered the loss of her husband recently and this song talks about the struggles they both dealt with and the emotions he was feeling during his illness. The lyrics are all from the point of view of the husband and how much he loves and cherishes his wife for what she has been doing for him through this struggle.
Knowing this back story adds a real gut punch to the whole song. To tackle such an emotionally sad subject wrapped up in an upbeat record is quite the task, and as simple as the chorus line “we’ll find each other in another life” is, there is a real beauty to it: a message of hope and love. Ryan says the lyrics can also be interpreted in any other way through any other sort of loss and I can truly believe that. I imagine there will be some tears shed by those that really listen to the words and can relate.
Despite the sad back story, it’s an upbeat punch song and the lyrics offer more a message of love than sadness. It is definitely going to be a live favourite and audiences will love the ease with which you can pick up the chorus and sing along. There’s a lot to like about Another Life. It’s well written, well performed and well produced, as well as a huge step forward for Secret City Souls, who are now a little over 12 months old. It’s going to be a tough single to follow up, but something tells me this is only the start of a great journey for the band.
Bethan, founder of The Leopheard, added: “With pop-punk royalty like Blink 182 and Neck Deep releasing albums in the coming months, there’s never been a better time to get buzzed about the genre, and it feels like Secret City Souls are poised to make their mark in this exciting resurgence. In a genre known for its anthems, Secret City Souls has crafted a poignant ballad that resonates universally, be it through grief, loss, heartbreak or otherwise. Another Life not only showcases their musical prowess but also reveals a depth of emotion and storytelling that sets them apart.”
Listen to Another Life, released September 30, here on Spotify:
