Old Tramp – This Is Tramp Pop (Three Sixty Records)
DL
15 April 2014
Future-pop-synth singer-songwriter Old Tramp release a new EP. Louder Than War’s Paul Scott- Bates reviews.
I have to say, this EP was highly anticipated in my eyes. Johnno Casson, the man behind Snippet (who
gave us one of 2013s finest moments) has released a collection of six tracks
under the guise of Old Tramp. Why Old
Tramp? It’s a way of him telling people there are no rules in music and under a
new alias, he can express himself without fear of a backlash against previous
releases.
Originally from Hackney and now based in Colchester, Old Tramp makes
sounds that are bendy and bouncy and full of shale. They’re playful and serious, straight-laced
and witty, and always from the heart. He
is one of a handful of writers that can write a damn fine catchy tune that
makes you want to move and generally feel good.
Even his ‘serious’ songs, which often hit a nerve, have a deeper
undercurrent which brings forward a more optimistic side.
Lead track Kiss My Arse sets the tone of his two-fingered salute
collection. His cheeky chappy accent wraps itself around incisive lyrics - “you
don’t deserve my point of view” – which you’ll probably find your young
children singing in the back of the car, it’s not big and it’s not clever, but
it would be funny.
Trusting your instincts forms the theme of Koksure. A funky little beast with sighs and
high-pitched treated voices it will almost definitely make you tap your feet. Added electronic effects whip in and out, and
a tribal drum beat with chants and infectious synth loops makes it a potential
sound of the Summer. Largely
instrumental, you’ll hear it all over our tropical climate soon.
More semi-humour in I Don’t Like You (But I Wouldn’t Mind Your
Girlfriend), or is it. Sometimes
difficult to decipher a serious song from a fun one – it’s a compliment not a
criticism. Any songwriter that can turn
serious subject and lyrics into one disguised as fun and happy has a true
talent. The writing of perfect pop is a
gift that Johnno was certainly born with.
Say no more.
There’s no doubt that Depression calls for reflection. Beautiful, heart drenched lyrics over a
subdued piano backing. It’s sad,
very. Anyone who has suffered or who
knows someone who has will no doubt instantly relate to this. A recent
contributor to the Ralphs Life cd in aid of mental health awareness, Johnno
perfectly describes the feeling and emotion of one of life’s shittiest
cards. It’s written with compassion and a heartfelt honesty, any slip with a subject
like this and the whole point would be lost, Casson skillfully avoids any such
slide.
Track 5 bounces the EP straight back with Chancer. More lovely pop beats with that gritty undercurrent
that honestly describes life’s characters whilst putting his own character on
show. Another perfectly formed and
layered song which leaves yet another imprint on your melodious little mind.
Ending with Pain Threshold there is only one downside to This Is
Tramp Pop, and that is that it isn’t a full album. Certainly left wanting more, it’s an excuse
to play the EP again (and again).
Another deep bassline carries the song along with shimmering synths and
muffled vocals which display an artist on the top of their game. Cutting beats and memorable sounds are the
order of the day.
Tramp Pop is here, and it’s your future.
9/10
Links
Published on Louder Than War 10/04/14 - here
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