James Abbott – Demons (2020)
Using moody alternative rock melodies with insightful lyricism, UK-based James Abbott has hit a home run with his debut single ‘Demons’. But who is James Abbott I hear you say? Here’s a bit of an intro: Hailing from a village in Essex, James Abbott is a talented multi-instrumentalist who grew up with a wide range of influences ranging from Slipknot and The Beatles to Debussy and Stevie Ray Vaughn. After performing as a session musician throughout his teen years, Abbott decided to pursue a solo career and, as they say, the rest is history.
Lying somewhere between James Blunt, Paolo Nutini and Hozier, Abbott has an intimate and soulful sound. Yet, while he shows a similarity to the mentioned artists, Abbott is quite distinctive with a “melancholic rock” vibe about him moving away from the stereotypical singer-songwriter. ‘Demons’ is his plunge into the solo music scene and what a plunge it is!
Touching on elements of longing, isolation, anxiety and despair, ‘Demons’ is a moving testimony to the stark vulnerability of human nature. Combining heart-rendering lyrics with dynamic instrumentation, Abbott exposes his fragility in an honest, genuine and sincere way. While Abbott’s skill with a guitar can trigger a tear or two, it is his dulcet tones that emphasise the poignancy of the song.
“We all have our different demons that pull us down daily, sometimes they hide for a season and sometimes they’re right in your face screaming at you. Even though I wrote the song amidst this darkness, I now look back at the time and thank God for how I grew from it. I hope that people listening can take pride in their struggles too and know that these struggles can lead to growth.” – James Abbott on ‘Demons’
Soul-wrenching and intimate, ‘Demons’ is a real success for this outstanding artist. This may only be Abbott’s debut single, but I have a feeling it is only the start of his successful career.
For more from James Abbott, check out his Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
