The bright and upbeat instrumentals in ‘Something Real’ disguise the weight of the song’s message, opening with the upbeat, melodic electric guitar work of Thomas Quigley, and an accompanying drum from Angus Gilchrist. The guitar melody from Leio Hunter keeps the track going, as the track is more fast-paced than any other song on their discography. Together, the sound provides an atmospheric backdrop that perfectly blends with Cai’s passionate vocals.
Speaking on the release, lead singer Cai Altyspeaks upon the track, “the song that best represents what we want to say and be.” This single also marks an evolution of sound for the band, leaning more into a pop influence while still staying true to their sound.
Vocally, Cai Alty delivers one of his most compelling performances so far, balancing warmth with underlying frustration. Lyricism such as “Hate is on trend / bouncing around the parrot cages / sinking down the hole that never ends” captures the emotion kept at the heart of the track, signifying the deeper message. The Guest List are known for tackling social issues, raising awareness on things such as climate change and domestic abuse.
The Guest List hit the road again in April on tour with ten newly released dates, alongside the rescheduled tour dates from their postponed November run.
Micha Thompson
Image: Ewan Ogden
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