If the music is good, someone will notice. For English alt-rock outfit San Quentin, the big moment came earlier this year, when BBC Introducing made them one ‘ones to watch’. They have been on the rise since, playing a plethora of shows between Southend-on-Sea (where they live) and London. Of course, we are not surprised in the slightest. Their music is extremely mature: boasting a bubbly, exciting alt-rock aesthetic, they still manage to deliver friendly melodies and relatable songwriting, making the group a rather popular feature on their scene.
San Quentin’s latest effort, ‘You Got Some Nerve’, showcases once again the British talents’ absolute class. Following up on this year’s singles ‘Crossed The Line’ and ‘Hurricane’, the record exhibits a fuller, thicker sound, turning up the volume and the energy. Band members Liam Cass, Owen Eves, Luke Johns, Nick Keep and Dan Ridgwell perfectly manage to push their musicianship in the right direction. While never overpowering the song, the heavy drums and fuzzy guitars complement and enhance the vocals, creating a track that’s seemingly ready for the big stages.
In a way, ‘You Got Some Nerve’ could be a fitting arena anthem, the banger when all hell breaks loose. Even lyrically, the record jumps on a charming theme, the complicated nature of modern dating. Describing the inspiration behind it, Cass explains: “This song was inspired by a conversation with a friend. They were saying, modern-day romance is like a Mexican standoff. The first to reply is the first to be done.”
Recommended! Discover ‘You Got Some Nerve’ on Spotify: