Who is Tom Grennan?

I discovered Tom Grennan when he was featured on Chase and Status track 'When it all goes wrong'. His powerful gravelly voice will give you tingles. I immediately thought of Chase and Status' previously collaborator Maverick Sabre 'Fire in your eyes'.

The obviously have a knack for finding incredible unique voices that can hold their own alongside their massive tracks. (Honourable Mention- Jacob Banks 'Alive').

You may have also heard Grennan's 'Found What I've been looking for.' if you were watching Premier League coverage on Sky last year. They used it as their trail music and I was constantly disappointed I could not listen to it in full each time.

'Found what I've been Looking for.' and 'Royal Highness' were getting plenty of love on both Radio 1 and Radio 2. So much so that it felt as though we had to wait forever to listen to the album in all it's glory. By the time the album graced us with its presence. Tom had released 5 singles.

It was at this point I was concerned that the album had nothing left to give.

Thankfully, my fears did not become a reality and I fell in love with Lighting Matches almost immediately.

Aside from his exceptional voice, the musical arrangements are a perfect blend of nostalgia and originality. The album also strikes a wonderful balance between lyrical sincerity and a delightful sense of humour.

Case and point 'I Might'.

Craig Charles hit the nail on the head when Lighting Matches was featured as BBC Radio 2's album of the week. Saying it had bourbon drinking, cigar smoking New Orleans vibes. Unfortunately this is a misquote as I heard him say it scribbled it down on a bit of paper then proceeded to lose the bit of paper didn't I but you get the gist.

The whole album is effortless, Grennan was not frightened to go from, full brass section with a dance around the kitchen, party feel to, heart-wrenching honesty, belt it out in the shower, sob into your pillow emotional.

Tom Grennan has been touring all around the world this past year and has an ever growing fan base. I am excited by the the level of support and praise he's garnered in a short time. Being awarded BBC Introducing Artist of the Year 2018 for example.

I wait in eager anticipation to see what this talented lad has up his sleeve for the future.

#music #indie #TomGrennan #LightingMatches #AlbumReview #BBCIntroducing #review #UKMusic