Not Now Norman – Mama (2024)
Not Now Norman is the self-proclaimed rock powerhouse of Northeast England, and they have released the second single ‘Mama’ for their forthcoming album Go Hard Or Go Home. A dip into their 2022 album, It’s Not This One, is certainly enough to tell the listener that Not Now Norman has a very clear idea of their sound and their image. Indeed, they tremble on the brink of anachronism so closely do they resemble hard-rock bands from the 80s.
The first single for their sophomore album, ‘Who I Am’ is an adrenalised boost of self-confidence that makes it clear they are not wavering from their approach. And while their follow-up single ‘Mama’ is a ballad, it is tough yet full of heart in the classic hair-band style. Starting with just piano, the song builds to a soaring chorus with harmonising vocals and distorted guitars (and probably rockets going off on stage) but never loses the heart-felt, slightly melancholic feel.
Not Now Norman is the duo of Taylor-Grace on vocals and Zander Brown on guitar and backing vocals, and the two seem to be at the helm of everything to do with their band, from writing the songs to the image they project. While their image and sound are firmly rooted in the hard rock style that dominated 80s rock radio, it is not without merit.
The sound suits their message of in-your-face self-empowerment, and it is easily adaptable to ballads like ‘Mama’, which Taylor-Grace describes as “a thank you letter to my mum, who has been my rock since I can remember”. She goes on to say: “It’s a thank you to the people in your life who support you and guide you no matter what, and help you realise your true potential. In my case, that’s my mother.”
Even if hard rock isn’t your thing, you have to admire the professionalism, solid execution and heart that went into the song. And giving props to your mom is a worthy endeavour if there ever was one.
Find out more about Not Now Norman on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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