JAKE BUGG

A Modern Day Distraction (RCA)

Twelve years since Jake Bugg burst onto the music scene, the Nottingham singer-songwriter is back with his sixth album and a UK tour to boot. A Modern Day Distraction is an incandescent look at how the UK political landscape affects the people in his life.

Waiting For The World sees each lyric rolled off swiftly and the indie-rock rebelliousness of Bugg’s first album is superseded by a punk-heavy pulse whilst still maintaining that fervent guitar strumming. ‘Keep On Moving’ made me think of The Clampdown by The Clash, pulsating drumming working seamlessly with a deep bassline as backing vocals provide Beach Boys tones. 

The soulful elongated lyrics for which Bugg is known are still there, and I Wrote The Book sees him crooning softly in his distinctive 60s-influenced style. He’s always possessed the ability to switch between fast-paced rock and soulful melodies but this finds him taking on a more distinguished air. 

words DAVID JAMES