Indie-pop band Giant Killers have released their second single, Around the Blocks, from their debut album Songs From The Small Places, on 2nd August via Little Genius Recordings. The band, composed of songwriting duo Jamie Wortley (guitar, keys, lead vocals) and Michael Brown (bass, keys, brass, vocals), has a rich history in the music industry, and this latest release brings their timeless sound into a new era.
“Around the Blocks” serves as a love letter to the kind of communities that shaped Giant Killers’ worldview. The song, as described by Jamie and Michael, is an “opus to the overlooked,” a tribute to those who are dealt an unfair hand in life but continue pressing on regardless. It’s a song for those whose lives might be marked by struggles and failures, not because of a lack of effort, but because they weren’t born with the same opportunities. Thematically, it’s both personal and universal, reflecting the band members’ own experiences while speaking to the resilience found in every community.
For Giant Killers, this track holds a special place in their history. Originally a fan-favorite during their early live shows, when they opened for acts like Blur on the Country House tour and toured with Dr. Robert of The Blow Monkeys and Nick Heyward, the song has now been given a fresh 2024 makeover. This update breathes new life into a track that, while rooted in the band’s 90s indie-pop sound, feels just as relevant today.
The response to Around the Blocks has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised its “ludicrously catchy” sound, with one reviewer even declaring it “surely the best song the Lightning Seeds never wrote!” This unexpected acclaim, paired with its undeniable infectiousness, led the band to select it as their second single, further cementing their status in the modern indie-pop landscape.
In a twist of fate that echoes the song’s themes, life has indeed imitated art for the band. Off the back of this praise, Giant Killers were added to the lineup for the Shiiine On festival in November, sharing the bill with none other than 90s icons The Lightning Seeds. This inclusion highlights the band’s continued relevance and enduring appeal, three decades after their first major label signing.
Giant Killers’ blend of nostalgia and fresh energy has resonated with both fans and the media. They’ve become regular guests on BBC Radio 5 Live, where presenter Patrick Kielty has invited them to perform in the live lounge on multiple occasions. Most notably, the duo performed during a Euros special ahead of the England v Spain final, fielding song requests from fans of both teams. These appearances have helped introduce their sound to a broader audience, and cemented their reputation as an engaging live act.
A special invitation to film a music video during the Teddy Rocks Festival in Dorset saw the band delivering an unforgettable live performance. Playing from the main stage and weaving through the crowd with the festival’s revelers, Giant Killers created a unique experience that showcased their connection to fans both new and old.
Giant Killers’ musical journey has been long and winding. Signed to MCA Records in 1995, the band released two singles but never saw their album come to fruition. However, after a decades-long struggle to reclaim the rights to their music, Jamie and Michael are now able to share these songs with the world—something they thought might never happen. This backstory only adds to the emotional weight behind their work, particularly with Around the Blocks, a song that feels like an anthem for underdogs everywhere.
Despite the setbacks, the band has remained active in the music scene, both together and through various other projects. They’ve played at some of the UK’s most iconic venues, including Glastonbury and Proms in the Park in Hyde Park, where they opened for Lionel Richie. They’ve toured with acts like Squeeze and supported Motown legend Edwin Starr. Along the way, they’ve built a loyal fanbase and continued to hone their craft.
Musically, Around the Blocks captures the essence of 90s indie-pop while weaving in elements that make it feel fresh in today’s musical landscape. It’s bright, melodic, and instantly hummable, with the kind of deft songwriting that has earned the band widespread critical acclaim. Giant Killers have a knack for painting vivid pictures through their lyrics, telling stories that resonate deeply with listeners while retaining an easy-going, feel-good quality.
Along with Around the Blocks, the single includes two additional tracks: Normal Service (Will Not Be Resumed) and Fighting in the High Street. These songs further showcase the duo’s ability to combine insightful lyricism with catchy melodies, making their work both thoughtful and accessible.
Giant Killers’ resurgence in the indie-pop scene is a testament to their perseverance and talent. The glowing reception for Songs From The Small Places and its singles proves that great music, no matter when it’s created, can always find its audience. As critics have noted, the band has a “timeless appeal” that transcends the decades since their inception.
Their upcoming appearance at the Shiiine On festival, alongside 90s legends, signifies that their music has found its place both in the past and the present. As Giant Killers continue to introduce new audiences to their work, it’s clear that their journey is far from over. With Around the Blocks now reaching listeners old and new, the band’s second act is just beginning. As they sing in Around the Blocks, Giant Killers are pressing on, no matter the obstacles, because for them—and for the communities they represent—there is no other option.
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