Brick Turpin – White Van Man (2026)
Brick Turpin’s lighthearted new single, ‘White Van Man’, is underscored by the pain of the thanklessness in essential labour. From his debut album Workday, Turpin’s introduction into his and other labourers’ daily lives has a comfortable melody brought through by engaging folk strums. The song is anchored by an up-tempo, bouncy rhythm as a playful bass plucks and creates the feeling of movement and an air of irony.
When Turpin begins in a straightforward singing style and English folk cadence, “Pedestrians distracted by devices they call smart/ drinking fancy coffee through a tiny little spout”, we’re moving like it’s a day on the job with our senior co-worker. In the spirit of finger-pointing music made famous by Bob Dylan, and rooted in English labour songs, Turpin focuses on the villains as he passes along. “Riding chance’s pony/ while lonely drivers pout”, he continues. His harmonies on the hook enhance the sentiment for the ‘White Van Man’ who, daily, “…trundles on”.
Along with the audible bounce, chord progressions keep things light, and with a hint of condemnation in Turpin’s straight delivery, humour and seriousness blend for a catchy tune. The observational writing creates a narrative that’s easy to fall into, and Turpin wraps the ‘White Van Man’ up in myth. While the song remains in the myth, the lyrics travel from social critiques, back around to this nameless person who moves along seemingly undetected. A sense of alienation is at the heart of this easy-going song; these elements make this minimal folk tale compelling.
Turpin’s inner world begins to show: “Call us names and try to shame us /shake your fists and try to blame us” – there’s pain here. Unfortunately, neither his bullies nor their frustrations show up in the lyrics. Furthermore, his pride as a labourer, as heard in the chorus, will not let him release his pain. Turpin’s distance from the pedestrians becomes the listener’s position. It’s as if we’re sitting in the passenger seat listening to something less than a sound societal critique.
‘White Van Man’ shines in most areas and shows solid potential for Turpin’s side career as a folk singer.
In addition to the single, Brick Turpin released an official music video for ‘White Man Van’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects and rapid image transitions that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Brick Turpin on his official website, Facebook, X, Instagram, Bandcamp, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Old Crows Promotions
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