Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Urban Walrus – Not Today (2024)

When Urban Walrus hit our virtual desk two years ago with ‘August Rain’, we deemed him an enigma choosing to shy away from the chaos of social media; today, we take another look, and he remains an oddity. Self-described as “probably the most boring band in the world…”, Urban Walrus might not have the mass of pointless posts on Instagram or TikTok but he’s definitely not boring. Following an extensive six-month tour of the dodgier venues of New York, Amsterdam and Zurich, Swiss “rock poet” Fabian Körber releases his new single ‘Not Today’.

Following his critically acclaimed 2023 singles ‘All I Really Want’ and ‘One Million’, ‘Not Today’ is a rush of Britpop cushioned by heavy indie-rock tones. Recorded and produced by Jeannot Steck, ‘Not Today’ is a concoction of pounding drums, soaring guitars and bold bass whipping about in a kaleidoscopic haze of indie-rock; however, just as there is chaos in the forceful arrangement, a sense of unity slides beneath the insanity. So, in other words, the song is a warm embrace of Britpop sounds but simultaneously a brash push of frenzied music.

The melody itself is full-bodied with sophisticated elegance, yet Urban Walrus’ vocals insert profound emotional depth to ‘Not Today’. No true vulnerability exists in ‘Not Today’ but weary sincerity and brutal honesty can be heard in his rich voice. When speaking about the single, Urban Walrus explains:

“Have you ever got up in the morning knowing instantly that the day ahead is not going to be your day? Instead of staying in bed, you went out anyway, just to get the proof that you were right in the first place. ‘Not Today’ tells and feels exactly just like that…”


In addition to the single, Urban Walrus released an official music video for ‘Not Today’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can trigger migraines and/or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.


THIS VIDEO USES EFFECTS THAT CAN TRIGGER MIGRAINES AND/OR SEIZURES IN PEOPLE WITH PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

Find out more about Urban Walrus on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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