New signing Seán McGowan will release brand new EP Graft & Grief on 8 September 2017. It will be out on silver vinyl, CD and digital. Preorder on all formats from our shop. You can also get it through Seán's website or on download only via iTunes.
The seven-track EP features the singles ‘No Show’, released late 2016, and ‘Apple Core’ released earlier in 2017, as well as new track ‘Costa Del Solution’ which you can listen to below.
With two poems book-ending Graft & Grief showcases Seán’s lyrical dexterity, knack for penning a catchy melody and laser sharp social commentary.
'No Show' puts zero-hour-contract, minimum-wage drudgery into riotous perspective, rebellion in half-arsed job performance, revenge in furiously-paced folk-punk whilst 'Apple Core' draws gentle echoed gallops while Seán spits lyrics at a pace, a rowdy chorus nailing his unexpected eloquence. 'Dog Tag' flows from chin-up confidence to raw honesty and 'Clear Conscience' rumbles with drum rolls under soft guitars. Finally, new song 'Costa Del Solution' is a bright, sunny jangle set upon high street despondency and twists the cliché of a beach holiday escape.
Graft & Grief is an impressive showcase for his rollicking full-band set of socially spot-on songs; an insight into realities of being young and musically-motivated in modern England.
Photo by Dean Paul
Coinciding with the release, Seán will play his biggest headline tour to date playing with a full band.
Dates are:
SEPTEMBER
08 Manchester – Jimmy’s
09 Nottingham – Bodega
14 Bristol – The Exchange
15 London – Sebright Arms
16 Southampton – The Loft
Seán has felt part of the Xtra Mile family for a while now, through his regular touring with the likes of Frank Turner, Skinny Lister, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Rob Lynch and Beans On Toast. Over the past 6 years Seán has been steadily building up his now considerable fan base by being near a constant force on the touring circuit as well as supporting Billy Bragg and performing packed out slots at Glastonbury and The Great Escape.
Raised on a diet of The Clash, The Jam, Specials, Billy Bragg and other such politically-charged, punk-ignited British pop, 21-year-old Seán self-released two EPs, either given away or sold on a pay what you want basis at shows, plus two slices of teenage Southampton life entitled ‘Come Unstuck’ (featuring Frank Turner on backing vocals) and ‘Swings & Roundabouts’, released as a double A-side 7”. Writing has already begun on the album, due to arrive sometime in early 2018.
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