‘Hold Back the River’ is the second single from James Bay’s debut album Chaos And The Calm which is set to be released on the 23rd March.
With British music being an amazing place due to the flock of male singer/songwriters, Bay unquestionably makes his presence felt alongside the likes of Tom Odell, Hozier, George Ezra and Jake Bugg and was awarded the Brits Critics’ Choice prize for 2015.
James Bay – with his Panama hat, shoulder length hair and prominent jawline – has a unique, refreshing look about him which is matched with strong, soulful vocals.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqiH0ZSkM9I?rel=0&w=740&h=422]
‘Hold Back The River’ is a wonderful mix of simplistic but captivating guitar riffs and distinct, powerful drum beats which, coupled with Bay’s bluesy, raspy tone and expressive lyrics, sets nerves tingling. The song is littered with elegant harmonies throughout the chorus and is catchy and thought-provoking to the listener.
James Bay is definitely one to have a listen to judging by this ingenious piece.
Words by Sarah Turner