Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

SAER – Sorry (2022)

With a nod to the sound of the 80s, SAER pulls us into his pensive single ‘Sorry’. Swirling with synths, the single powers through the tale of a couple in need of help as one looks for forgiveness. The pensive tones of the lyrics meet the swelling soundscape of retro synths to bring an emotive flow to our senses, while paying modern homage to different sonic influences.

The musical project of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Simon Davies, SAER explores personal stories with a universal touch. His previous releases have attracted attention and been featured on Tom Robinson’s BBC6 Music Show. If this single is not enough on its own to draw you into the story of the lyrics, the official music video directed by Paul Griffin just might.



The pensive tones of ‘Sorry’ hit from the first word as SAER’s voice wraps around an apology. There is an honest openness to the lyrics as the emotions of the characters of the single are laid out. These emotions are made more poignant by the swelling delivery of the vocals. The pensive tones of the opening verse move into an impassioned movement as the apology moves onto the realisation of how empty his life would be without the person he loves. The plea for forgiveness has been perfectly woven into the rise and fall of SAER’s vocals that keep you hooked to the sound. Throughout the single, he tugs at your emotions and fills you with the pain of potentially losing someone you love due to your own actions. The layered backing vocals add more emotion to the track, while enhancing the overall sonic texture and arrangement.

As you are drawn into the pensive apology of the opening vocal line, a tender piano accompanies him. This is a perfect pairing as their combined power reaches into your chest and squeezes your heart, while injecting the pain he feels into your veins. A rising synth tone comes from the depths of the melody and pushes you into the more retro vibes of the melody. The beats have you gently bopping to them, while the synths swirl around you with a vintage vibe. The retro edge that takes over the melody is tempered by the modernity of his vocal performance. This meeting of old and new is stunning and threads itself into the emotive vibes of the track.

With his single ‘Sorry’, SAER reaches into your chest, tugs at your heartstrings and makes you feel the emotions of potentially losing someone you love. There is a powerful apology woven into the lyrics that is made more poignant by the powerful vocal performance. The retro touches of the melody merge with the modern edge of his vocals, to draw you further onto the single.

Find out more about SAER on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.