Young SunLun based Tom A Smith has produced a series of magical songs over the past couple of years, all of which showcase a unique vocal, an ear for a hookworm, and a deceptively simple but thought provoking lyric.

It’s no surprise that industry insiders (such as Elton) and indeed outsiders (like me), rate Tom to become a top force in music before too long.

The building blocks are continuing to stack up with new song I Don’t Want You To Remember Me For Longer Than You Ever Knew Me.

In self producing the song, it was a masterpiece to contrast Tom’s hard strong deep vocals with that of the floating vocals from Alice from swim school. This gives the tune a conversational honest vibe between a couple of people, as well as provide a full flavoured bite on the ear drum. I was into this tune immediately from Alice’s Siouxie/Elizabeth Fraser style opener.

We don’t do country music US style (we have folk or heavy metal) but the feel I get with I Don’t Want You is perhaps a no nonsense UK hybrid. To my ear, fans of Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend) and Danielle Haim would enjoy this.

To accentuate that homesey honest feel to the overall tune is a lyric which cuts to the quick on relationships. Plain honesty.

Tom’s early output was categorised as indie, but it’s quite clear his influences and ambitions are far wider than that. Tom is cutting his own niche.

Here, I like the interesting little twists in I Don’t Want You. I’m not musically articulate enough to describe it, but this is a little unexpected and offers a clever hookworm on top. Those clever little production focusses are like the olive in a martini, finishes things off perfectly, but you cant quite describe why.

Anyone thinking from the long song title that this is a gimmic tune then think again. In the tradition of the best tunes or poems, a few words can lead the listener spinning off into a heap of directions.

Is the narrative in the tune as simple as being a bit of dismissive of the relationship, or as I’m drawn to thinking, is it a bit of imposter syndrome (feel you brother) and not feeling deserving of love, not being worthy. Or is it pure honest concern of not wanting to leave footsteps on the heart of those you love. Whichever version you might prefer at the time of listen, Tom A Smith has a wise insightful head on those slender 20 year old shoulders.

Tom describes the buzz at his live gigs perfectly. There is something, a movement, afoot. Everyone knows the lyrics of every song, and there is a heartswell in the room about Tom and his wonderful live band. If you have the chance, catch these guys while they are in a small room and you can chat with the performers later.

Oasis reunion tour? Definitely (not) in my book. 15 Tom A Smith gigs will serve you much better for the same cost, and will give you memories to serve you longer.

* words by tiggerligger

* images from Tom A Smith socials.