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Live Review: 'In The Midst' with sir Was' genre-blending new single

11 December 2016 | 2:55 pm | Lloyd Crackett

Sir Was 'In The Midst' is 'Where the Wild Things Are' meet world music and is only the first snippet, single and video from his debut album.

SIR WAS’ video clip for ‘In The Midst’ begins with him gliding across the water in a little paddleboat; he’s got a crown, a cape and he floats towards fire on the shore. There could be no more apt an image, sir Was is arriving in all his glory, bringing with him not only the single and music video but the news that his debut album that’s been in the works since 2014, will be out in only a short few months on March 10th.

‘In The Midst’ showcases sir Was’ classic voice: it’s strong, clear and can handle a hook well. After a single listen, you’ll repeat back to yourself "In the midst of it all" with the same sort reverence that sir Was does.

If sir Was’ voice is classic then that’s where the traditional aspects of his music end. ‘In the Midst’ is a genre-blend; sections of vocals are hip-hop yet pave the way for a sweet indie hook, throughout different samples of radio chatter can be heard. A simple bass guitar thrums, the drums are neat and progressive but they merely complement sir Was’ love of atmospheric sounds that everything is layered upon.

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The track is a perfect summation of sir Was’ journey over the past few years of creating his debut album, travelling to places such as Durban, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Travelling the world to get a better set of influences, even at one point jamming with a PJ-clad Sean Lennon in his NY apartment.

The ‘In the Midst’ video clip borrows heavily from Where the Wild Things Are. sir Was explores the island that he washes ashore on and dreamy visuals ensue, including exploring a fog filled forest, being crowned in a field of grass and running around a fire with what can only be described as a stray child. It’s an enjoyable visual aid to add to the rhythmic track, stimulating but not drawing away from the true craft of the song.

Sir Was’ debut album ‘Digging a Tunnel’ will be out March 10th 2017 on City Slang via Inertia Music.

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