When Sam Fender burst onto the scene with 2019’s ‘Hypersonic Missiles’, he was already in possession of blueprints that would set up his current status as a stadium-filling draw capable of combining Bruce Springsteen’s widescreen rock with modern indie. But the following ‘Seventeen Going Under’ blew all expectations out of the water, with its titular anthem proving to be particularly potent. Expectations prior to album three, then, are at an all-time high.
But ‘People Watching’ more than matches the hype, delivering Fender’s most eclectic collection to date while marking him out as a generational talent. The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel helped produce the record and his input is particularly obvious on the soaring title track, which calmed any nerves fans might have been feeling about the trajectory of his sound.
Nostalgia’s Lie is a softer moment with plenty of layers to its riffs and a deeper meaning in its warnings about living permanently in the past.
Chin Up and Wild Long Lie offer both sides of the Fender coin, with the former the sort of indie hit his fanbase will lap up live and the latter heavy on the heartland influence, including an extended sax solo from Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis.
Elsewhere, the meshing of The War on Drugs’ approach with Fender’s is a match made in heaven. Granduciel’s influence is apparent on Arm’s Length, which really showcases Fender’s growth as an artist, while Crumbling Empire draws comparisons between the rapid decline of Detroit and North Shields, putting his own spin on Springsteen-esque blue collar rock.
Remember My Name, which focuses on the relationship between his grandparents when his grandmother was living with dementia, is among the most beautiful songs Fender has crafted. It has a cosy winter feel to it, built around his vocals and horns, while foregrounding heartbreaking emotion.
‘People Watching’ is a meditative, soul-searching record that more than warrants the buzz surrounding it. Clearly a labour of love for Fender, it finds the sweet spot between the anthemic, expansive sounds we’ve come to expect and nuanced expansion and maturity in his songwriting.
Sam Fender Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri June 06 2025 - LONDON Stadium Olympic Park
Thu June 12 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE St James' Park
Sat June 14 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE St James' Park
Sun June 15 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE St James' Park
Sat August 16 2025 - MANCHESTER Wythenshawe Park and Gardens
Fri August 22 2025 - NEWBRIDGE Royal Highland Centre
Thu August 28 2025 - BELFAST Boucher Road Playing Fields
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