EP REVIEW: Tom A Smith - Put On A Record Tommy

One of Sunderland’s most exciting stars Tom A. Smith is back with an outstanding EP ‘Put On A Record Tommy’. This unique dance driven record highlights the parallels of both confidence and insecurity, expressing the difficult changes of becoming a young adult. Smith’s honest lyricism on this record emphasises the vulnerability of establishing an identity and the challenges of embodying new perspectives. The overall sonics of the EP moves contrary to this theme, proving to the listener that amongst the heavy reflection there is also hope. 

This impressive record captures a distinct late 70s and early 80s sound, drawing on a range of influences, with shades of Talking Heads particularly evident throughout. The first three tracks set an immediate precedent, with punchy distorted bass lines and appropriately chaotic vocals that infectiously makes you want to match their energy. The synths alone have the ability to bring a whole crowd to its feet dancing. 

The title track ‘Put On A Record Tommy’ is the most fitting song to represent the theme of this body of work, if you were to listen to this song alone it leaves you not only impressed, but also wanting to discover what else this EP has to offer. The collaboration of Rowetta’s powerhouse vocals with the band drives the main hook. A moment that translates effectively live, transcending to the crowd’s engagement making it more than just an individual performance.

‘The Only One’ and ‘No Matter What’ are two exceptional tracks; they deliver the theme in a slower, more powerful manner. Rather than disrupting the energy of the EP, they in fact complete it, sending it to a class above the rest. ‘No Matter What’ echoes that of fellow North-Easterner Sam Fender, particularly in the lyrics “All the flags on their street, oh they think they’re just patriots”...“Their frustrations are fair, but their blame is unjustified.” A raw message about the uncertainty surrounding today’s issues that resonates with the listener.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8LiBxFroao&list=RDz8LiBxFroao&start_radio=1

The cover of ‘Life During Wartime’ really sums up the talent of Tom A. Smith and his band, a difficult song to replicate, yet performed effortlessly, shows he has reached that level of excellent musicianship. ‘The Band’ looks to have been chosen as the set closer in his recent string of shows across the UK, another very well-received 10 out of 10 song to complete this record.

‘Put On A Record Tommy’ is a phenomenal EP that carries the confidence from his previous work, this time in an even more directional and established style that Tom A. Smith has embraced and grown perfectly into. He has been on the music scene from a young age proving himself every step of the way, however it seems now he really has found the perfect identity he has been honing for.