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Bishopskin forge ever deeper into spirituality and the feeling of coming full circle upon new single, ‘Old Sock’.

Words by Otis Hayes


Avant-garde ensemble Bishopskin return with their latest single ‘Old Sock’, the first release since their striking and diverse debut album, ‘Babble’. The eclectic group found themselves within good company, recording their new cut alongside renowned jazz trumpeter James McMillan within his home studio in Hastings. McMillan himself has featured with the likes of Amy Winehouse, James Brown and Van Morrison amongst others, naturally he has now graced Bishopskin, playing trumpet upon ‘Old Sock’ as well as engineering and mixing the single alongside the London based bands own James Donovan.


Photo credit: Martin Eito


Cello and violin begin dancing in circles as if they are courting one another before lead singer Tiger Nicholson joins with a sombre tonality behind his voice and ‘Old Sock’ starts to take form. Pulsating piano and rhythmic drums establish a backdrop for slinky trumpet to join in call and response between itself and sharp violin to contrasting effect, whilst guitar and clarinet gently intertwines amongst the mix. Nicholson’s vocals feel particularly emotionally invested upon ‘Old Sock’ with a soft roundness to his voice, subdued yet still able to feel commanding and resonant throughout, the lead singer generates an open and honest feeling of reflection upon the past and what perhaps the future may bring.


Inspired by an image of Christ lying upon a coil of rope on the front of a leather bound illustrated bible owned by Nicholson in his childhood, ‘Old Sock’ continues to establish where ‘Babble’ left off exploring themes of religion, faith, spirituality and foregone times. With ‘Old Sock’ harnessing a particular focus on spiritual fatigue and the feeling of coming full circle as if there is an inevitable loop we all tread as we each choose a direction in which we forge onwards. Released ahead of the groups upcoming headline show at the MOTH Club on 24th January, where the band will once again take to stage with their energetic and eccentric live performances, ‘Old Sock’ showcases Bishopskin’s signature mix of folk, blues, and jazz hallmarked by introspective lyrics.


 


Listen to 'Old Sock'


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