Rupert Stroud - Morning Light

(CD Single Review)

****1/2

Rupert does it again with another deathly anthem!

Leeds moody Singer/ Songwriter Rupert Stroud is back with a new single and it hits you very hard in the face like someone punching you in the pub from the moment you listen to it. First thing I have to say this song should have been called 'Mourning Light' not 'Morning Light' because it has the dark undertones of death in it. The song gives you visions of hard times in Leeds in a dark industrial estate or concrete jungle. This is what Soul from up north should sound like gritty, dark and having a feeling of the working man and this is what Rupert manages to put perfectly in his music. From the almost Joy Division bass lines to the Gospel church undertones behind his prominent vocals that stick in your head like a thud as you fall over.

You shouldn't really like this kind of thing, but I love it... it just has something to say for itself and a lot of the music of today doesn't. I also love the female vocals that come in near the end on the faint undertow. This has also shown a progression from his release 'Chasing the Night' which was a real grower on me and 'Twisted Games' which was even better and showed him as a serious contender in my eyes to the UK awards, and was sadly over looked in many places I think he should have been considered. You can listen to the single at the bottom of the page if you dare, because it will stick in your head and you will find yourself singing it all day. What a great single, I'm going to buy my copy... brilliant release by Rupert Stroud.

Review by Dan Devour