We wrote about Terry Blade a long time ago, celebrating his stunning album ‘Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper’ as “packing its challenging lyricism with meaningful themes and references to Blade’s own origins”. Knee-deep in Americana, early blues and traditional Black culture, Blade’s songwriting constantly feels cathartic and solemn, as if he’s constantly reaching for a higher power, a higher level of consciousness. ‘Tell’Em’ reiterates that once again.
Terry’s latest effort, the single builds its peculiar sonic livery on early guitar blues influences, layering a primal electric tone over Blade’s tender, nostalgic vocals, here resonating with charisma and confidence. There’s a distinct melancholic character to it all, something that directly relates to the genre’s original roots. It also created a direct parallel with icons such as Muddy Waters, Nina Simone and BB King, among others.
Explaining the lyricism behind ‘Tell’Em’, the American songwriter explains: “It reveals my irrepressible perspective and extraordinary way of singing truth to power.” Stark, haunting storytelling that’s firmly planted in American history, especially when it comes to Black liberation and its overarching cultural potential.
Recommended! Discover ‘Tell’Em’ on Spotify:
