Back in late August, Liverpool’s Howie Payne returned with his new single ‘It Feels Like Summer’. The former Stands member is on the trail of his new solo album, due early 2021.
With Payne playing all the instruments, it should come as no surprise that this is a deeply personal record. The eerily tranquil opening serves up the expressive failure of the male identity.
Set after the tough times, Payne utilises jangling guitars and heavenly Scouse vocals will be sonic perfection to fans of Payne. Underlying though is the torture he endured to display his gratitude and affection for those who stood by him in the tough times.
As the big key change lands, Payne delivers the lyric “how can I explain, all the things I want to say”. It will leave many a British man dead in their tracks. Hamstrung by their inability to talk, sometimes even be affectionate to their partners, Payne displays masculinity with supreme probity.
Once through this looking grass, Payne serves sheer ecstasy. Love and warmth ooze from every pore so much that, you’ll look back at those dark times in humble amazement they occurred.