Death of Guitar Pop Go Old-School on ‘Blinding!’

With their latest single, ‘Blinding!’, Death of Guitar Pop step away from their usual upbeat Essex-boy Madness-style bounce and try something a bit different, leaning into a more traditional ska sound, and pulling it off with real confidence. It’s a noticeable shift, and one that surprised me, but it’s one that feels natural rather than forced.

The track, which also gives its name to the band’s forthcoming crowdfunded album, takes its time. Built on classic ska rhythms, Blinding! nods back to the original Jamaican sound without sounding like a tribute act. It’s stripped back, groove-led, and all the better for it.

Guest appearances don’t come much more credible either. Ed Rome, who’s worked with the likes of Lee “Scratch” Perry, The Beat, Pauline Black, Neville Staple, Roddy Radiation, Bad Manners, Rhoda Dakar and Dennis Alcapone, brings a real sense of heritage to the track and helps anchor it firmly in ska’s roots.

Overall, Blinding! feels less like a detour and more like Death of Guitar Pop stretching out and showing another side of themselves. If this track is anything to go by, the upcoming album is well worth keeping an eye (and ear) on.

You can listen to the track now on all the usual streaming sites and you can help with the album crowdfunder here:

Blinding! Crowdfund – Ska Club Essex

Or if you prefer, there is some special edition ‘Dublin Castle’ versions and goodies here:

BLINDING! THE DUBLIN CASTLE EDITION & BLINDING! ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY – Ska Club Essex