Review by Annie Barber
You might know of Bradley Simpson as the lead singer of popular band The Vamps. However, for his latest project, ‘The Panic Years’, Simpson is stepping out on his own and exploring a solo career. The album is a triumphant debut and an immortalization of the past ten years of his life.
The opening track, ‘Cry at the Moon’, is the first song Simpson released from this project. It’s a loud, daring track, making it a fitting start to the album. The song’s indie-rock, grunge inspired sound gives it a certain edginess. ‘Carpet Burn’ and ‘Daisies’ are already firm fan favourites, with indie-pop inflections and confessional lyrics.
‘Getting Clear’ has an epic 80s pop feel. This song champions self-belief and finding your purpose in life. It perfectly captures the feeling of things finally coming together. With the addition of synth sounds, big choruses and motivational lyrics, this track showcases Simpson’s musical and songwriting abilities at their best. This song sums up the album’s theme and gives the listener faith that things will be alright in the end.
The album’s eigth track, ‘Almost’, is reminiscent of The Vamps’ ‘Treading Water’ and ‘Glory Days’, from their fifth album ‘Cherry Blossom’, owing to its more electronic production and soaring choruses. Simpson name drops New York, the city in which he worked on most of the album with legendary producer BOOTS. This song shows that, although Simpson has created his own sound, he has not completely abandoned his roots.
‘Favourite Band’ is a standout track on the album which demands attention due to its vengeful lyrics, such as “I hope he fucking breaks your heart”, and its infectious pop sound. Prominent drums and catchy melodies make this a very enjoyable listening experience. In the wake of the bridge, the song builds up into an explosion in its final chorus which I guarantee will have you up and dancing.
‘The Band’s Not Breaking Up’ is a contemplative indie track and somewhat of a misnomer. When the album’s track list was released, fans theorized about it being a response to speculation about the status of The Vamps, as each of them embark on their own personal endeavours. In actuality, it’s about the breakdown of a relationship. Honest and raw, this track shows Simpsons’ ability to tap into his vulnerability to create introspective and relatable songs.
Title track ‘The Panic Years’ begins with laidback acoustic guitar and the lines, “Ten years of panic / Now I’m stuck here stranded / ‘Cus I missed the train to get to you”. The guitar, drums and vocals build up to a toe-tapping chorus that will be stuck in your head for days. Simpson sets the song in Dublin, as he sings lyrics like “I’d wait for you if its forever / Till my lips turn blue” and “This time feels different”, which show that he is hopeful and optimistic about the future.
By including personal details and name dropping significant places, Simpson is inviting us into some of his most intimate memories from the last decade. ‘The Panic Years’ chronicles the ups and downs of life – being happy in love, wishing the worst upon an ex and everything in between. Drawing on indie-rock, 80s pop, retro and grunge influences, Simpson has delivered an album that serves as a reminder that everything works out in the end.
‘The Panic Years’ is now available to pre-save on streaming services or pre-order ahead of its release on the 28th of February. If you want to hear the album played live, pick up one of the remaining tickets for his upcoming headline UK tour taking place in May, or for his acoustic record store tour.
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