EP REVIEW: Jamie Lenman - Iknowyouknowiknow
Former frontman and principal writer of British alt-rock band Reuben, Jamie Lenman, is back with an inspiring companion to acclaimed recent album The Atheist 2022. The previous album is an eclectic mix of pop, progressive punk with a dash of folk and few jazz influences. As an extension, Iknowyouknowiknow makes the 11 tracks a whopping 17! They are not to be taken as leftovers or undesirables as this piece of work stands on its own perfectly.
Words Of Love- This track is very pop-punk, almost starting out as a midwestern-emo track with the distorted guitars in the background as the vocals almost whisper into your ear. It later breaks into a grand chorus supported by beautiful piano harmony, romantically infused. The bass is deep and grounding and very prominent. A very deep and lyrically moving track to kick off the EP.
Bright and energetic with jangly guitars, Crazy Horse, feels like the ideal upbeat and punchy travel song that calls you back home. It feels almost carefree and sets boundaries “I’ll tell you I won’t be here when you won't be here and I’m alright with that…” all whilst using bright and imaginative symbolism in later lyrics to describe that the world doesn’t revolve around one person.
Run Right Home- The acoustics in this are quite raw, now quite as polished as the other tracks, it sounds quite warm and you can hear the space in the room it’s performed in. Overall, these aspects create genuinity in his storytelling and a beautiful campfire lullaby with haunting backing vocals. Following on is The Last Supper, starts off quite rusty in vocals with bouncing electric guitar, it is fresh yet quite sentimental.
I Done Things I Ain’t Proud Of- This has the classic country twang and bounce, The perspective is humbling with honest lyrical confession about real life things we all experience as a child growing up. It has a beautiful violin that decorates and sets a melancholic harmony.
This Town Will Never Let Us Go- A very melancholic song that feels relatable, the narrative describes living in a town where you never truly feel at home, yet , most of your memories are built there so it's hard to get away from, especially hardships that you went through that built you. Overall, a very simple acoustic- vocal track, again with that raw and warm production that I feel holds an honest and genuine tone. I love the muffled distorted electric guitars later accompanied by urgent and pinning piano.
Overall, I feel that this EP is quite simple in instrumental and production but very deep in lyrical and story, it appeals to a wide audience for it’s flexibility, inspirations and topics. It’s both an easy listen, yet an enriching one.
