A New Single From The Shop Window

 By Henry Lipput

The very cool pop tune “Evacuate” is the fourth single from The Shop Window, a band from Kent in the UK that consists of Carl Mann (vocals/guitars), Simon ‘Syd’ Oxlee (vocals/keys), Martin Corder (bass), and Phil Elphee (drums). 

“Evacuate” opens with a single finger on a synth keyboard and the vocals begin with the song’s chorus (not unlike the arrangement for “She Loves You”): “Everything I do, I do for you / So calm down, calm down / Evacuate this anxious state and keep calm.” Described by the band as “evoking nostalgia” it’s a "warm hug sounding like today from yesteryear.” 

After the chorus, the band is in full swing and it’s a joyful noise. One of the sounds this song recalls is the music of the land Down Under. Carl Mann has spent nine years in nine different places including New Zealand and the sound of that country has rubbed off on him. I’m thinking specifically of The Chills but there’s also some fine jangle from around the world that can remind you of bands from The Smiths to (insert the name of your favorite current jangle band here.)

Three of the four singles The Show Window released in the past months, including “Evacuate,” will be on their forthcoming album The State Of Being Human. 

Next time: On his debut solo album Gary Olson is trumpeting his indie pop credentials.