Sev Lah is a newcomer to the music scene who’s passion started in a way so many of us can relate to: his father’s CD collection. You might recognise Sev from Geelong’s The Pickers Union, however, he’s swapping out his apron for a guitar, and releasing his debut rock single ‘Free My Soul’.
Two years ago, Sev began to focus on his music. Producing an astonishing 60 songs in 100 days, Sev drew from rock, grunge and Brit-pop while publishing his demos to Facebook which caught the attention of young artist and producer Darren Hart (of Harts). Hart produced Sev’s upcoming debut album, from which the single ‘Free My Soul’ is taken.
‘Free My Soul’ is a rock track from the first second. Your ears are hit with semi-distorted guitars and the ring of an introductory tambourine. When the driving drum beat enters, you can feel the direction of the track. Ringing guitar licks cut cleanly before the gritty vocals enter. Grungey, slightly distorted lyrics cry out over the drums and bass and carry every line with a hint of blues. Double tracked vocals that call out “Cause I…. just want to free my soul” lets each verse linger, keys barely audible but contributing to the thick sound.
The drumbeat really carries and drives this song. If you listen closely to the refrain of “And it feels like we’re always getting higher”, the layers of vocals merge together, the higher backing vocals rising through. The electric guitar solo feels appropriate; this type of rock song demands one. You’ll find your foot tapping before you even realise.
This track has passion. Sev means what he sings, he does “want to rock and roll”. You can hear years of rock influences in the track. “Free My Soul is a line in the sand,” Lah explained. “No longer will I do something unless I really want to.” The song’s accompanying video has vintage elements to it. Black-and-white pin-up heads, low-fi graphics, retro clips of time forgotten.
Check it out below:
‘Free My Soul’ is the leading single from Sev Lah’s forthcoming debut album. Stay tuned to Sev’s socials to keep up to date with release dates and upcoming events.
Written by Thom Devereux