Although he’s lived in Vienna for the past four years, songwriter and producer Einsam is Bristol born and reared, and the Westcountry city’s musical legacy is apparent in his invigorating new single, ‘Stuck Pig’.
Words by Nick Mee
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
There’s no denying the trip-hop edge to the song’s shuffling, heavily reverbed beat which, aligned with a coiling bassline that’s distorted without losing its soul, creates a groove of significant forward thrust. It’s the foundation for the musician to confront societal and personal doubts as he sings of both the threat of political intolerance and the conflicting allure of his hometown against his current city of residence: “What am I getting myself into?/What if I’m cutting myself in two?”
Aside from the rhythmic nods to Portishead or early Massive Attack, Einsam cites Talk Talk and Scott Walker as influences, and it’s the presence of his similarly clear baritone vocal that really gives the track its edge, along with a defined art-pop songcraft. Interspersed with wandering piano, a brief guitar solo and a curveball breakdown, ‘Stuck Pig’ has momentum and immediacy in abundance.