Don’t know about you, but now sort of seems like a weird time to be releasing new music, doesn’t it? Many artists have chosen to delay most of their new material. But, weird time or not, this hasn’t stopped James Chapman & The Blue Moon from unleashing their new self-titled E.P. With their country/blues/1960s Pop/1950s rockabilly mash-up, honestly, it could be exactly what we all need right now.
Opening with ‘So Glad’ is a good choice and a great start to a bloody good E.P. It sets the tone very well indeed – quick, fun, cheery, and a lot of warmth – combining the very best of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and early Elvis Presley. ‘One More Year’ is a touch slower and easy-going, with a bit of a Duane Eddy vibe in the guitars. The real surprise – and it’s a good one – is in the vocal harmonies.
And there’s another surprise. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ is the rockabilly rendition of The Beatles‘ classic you probably never even knew you needed, but now it’s here, it is glorious and a heck of a lot of fun.
James Chapman & The Blue Moon have a sound that just begs to be danced to. And although we can’t actually go out and enjoy such treats and delights as this live and in-person – yet – we can dance around our own homes instead. The best thing about this whole situation is that you can dance around to this the kitchen in your pants while you wait for the kettle to boil as easily as you could listen to it lounging in the back garden, perhaps with a barbecue on the go and a cold pint in your hand. The possibilities are endless!
But be sure to catch the band live and in-person when the time is right. It’s sure to be a real treat.
James Chapman & The Blue Moon is available now.
