Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

PHILCLARKFUL – Front Room (2021)

The solo project of musician Phil Clark, PHILCLARKFUL is a merging of indie-rock, pop-rock and indie-pop. Who is Phil Clark? A former member of the dissolved pop-rock group Mowbeck, Clark is once again stepping before the microphone to share his haunting sound. Featured on Indie Buddie, New Boots and several radio stations including iHeart and BBC Northampton, the UK-based singer-songwriter is layering engaging lyrics atop moving melodies. The latest single from this talented artist is ‘Front Room’.



Following the electropop meets funk track ‘Wither’, PHILCLARKFUL bursts into 2021 with the single ‘Front Room’. The first track of three singles to be released over the next few months, ‘Front Room’ nods to the sounds of MyFly, Plain White T’s and old-school Maroon 5. Combining dreamy guitars with rich vocals and soothing synths, the new single has a harmonic flow to it. It is as if you are thrown into a kaleidoscopic swirl of sound filled with bubblegum pink candyfloss.

Steady and seemingly straightforward in its languidness, ‘Front Room’ should appear to be a happy song; however, there are demons beneath the perfumed clouds. Touching on elements of betrayal, angst and despair, the track juxtaposes cheeriness with sensitive vulnerability. The juxtaposition of the melancholic lyricism and a jovial synth-filled melody showcases Clark’s innovativeness as an artist and depth as a person. Yet, while there is a disheartening nostalgia to ‘Front Room’, Clark adds a sense of reflective acceptance and empowerment.

I find several things intriguing about PHILCLARKFUL. Not only is his name amusing being his social handle from “the beginning of the internet”, but his eclecticism intrigues me. ‘Wither’ and ‘Front Room’ are both upbeat with toe-tapping aspects; however, the genres are completely different illustrating his versatility and innovativeness. It might not be that unusual, but there seems to be a true genuineness and raw honesty in his music. Sophisticated and sensational, I foresee great success for PHILCLARKFUL.

For more from PHILCLARKFUL check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.