Single Review: The Shipbuilders - Hanging Me At Dawn
Often, it's easy to forget that good pop music can be pretty much whatever the songwriters want it to be. It doesn't have to be a rigorous exercise in following the rules and conforming to formulaic genres, in the vain hope someone will take notice. In fact, in an age where playful guitar music struggles to get the recognition it deserves - it's a strength to be willing to cross pollinate influences.
Liverpool's The Shipbuilders are a band that revel in such playful behaviour, the nucleus of which is the lyrical nous of lead songwriter Matthew Loughlin-Day. They've been a big part of the live scene for several years now; building a fan base by playing raucous and memorable gigs around the City.
It wasn't long until the lovely folks at Mai 68 Records snapped them up. The Chester based label has a burgeoning track record of finding acts around the North West crammed full of creativity.
The Shipbuilders look set to release their debut album in 2021 and precede it with their barnstorming new single 'Hanging Me At Dawn'. The song is a staple of the band's live set - and it's easy to hear why. The production by Danny Woodward (Ladytron, B.C Camplight) really helps the narrative move along sonically.
The Shipbuilders
It's clear from the first verse that the lyrics were the first elements of the song to materialise. The protagonist of the story is a soon to be executed vagabond who is writing to his loved ones of his inevitable fate - I'm writing to tell you my time it ain't long. The chiming guitars that accompany add to the Western feel - it's sounds as if they are the church bells tolling, the only way someone incarcerated in such a way would know that time is almost up. This may be the last time you hear from this heart of mine is a desperate plea for redemption.
The chorus ramps up the desperation, Loughlin-Day positively shrieks the lyrics; yearning for the words to reach the intended quicker - I don't wish to make you weep, I may not be on this Earth once you rise from your sleep. The backing is akin to riding through the plains, pushing the horse to it's absolute limits. Desperation soon turns to defiance and anger with the lawmakers who condemned - with talk of escape and burning down the barn.
'Hanging Me At Dawn' is a Wild West inspired romp infused with the Surf guitar sound - It's Johnny Cash's 'Folsome Prison Blues' re-imagined by The Coral after a prolonged stay in the 19th Century Midwest Saloon. If the essence of good guitar pop is lashings of melody with plenty of left turns to keep you guessing - with 'Hanging Me At Dawn', The Shipbuilders have found their place as prominent exponents of those qualities in the making - it's certainly not their first rodeo. Giddy up Partner! The album is going to be one hell of a ride.
The video for ' Hanging Me At Dawn' can be seen - with links to The Shipbuilders social media and band pages below.
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