Teddy Clarke – False Prophets (2023)
Inspired by the complexities of existence and its rugged underbelly, singer-songwriter Teddy Clarke’s melodies have a sophisticated sheen but brutal rawness within. When we left Clarke review-wise, he was touching on dystopian realities in the single ‘Poor Man’s Boy’. A realisation that life is challenging and difficult to navigate when lost in a capitalistic society. Almost a year later, we have loved Clarke’s more recent singles and are taking a gander at his latest release ‘False Prophets’.
Initially formed during the Covid-19 pandemic, Clarke might be considered a newbie in the music world with his debut ‘Bleak’ released last year. Yet, with a lesser degree of experience, his musical prowess catapults him to international acclaim sitting alongside veteran artists. Over the past year, Teddy Clarke has received rave reviews from notable publications, has featured on various radio stations (including BBC Introducing), has tracks added to numerous playlists, and has performed with the Teddy Clarke band at well-known live venues. All the while questioning where we are in life, what is happening and is this the best course.
“I’ve found the subject of mistrust towards politicians has been a recurring inspiration with my songs. I feel ‘False Prophets’ captured exactly what I wanted to say… like an open letter to politicians/the media asking why there’s been so much dishonesty.” – Teddy Clarke on ‘False Prophets’
Following the singles ‘Lighter Fluid’ and ‘Smile & Forget’, Clarke melds his piano-driven pop-tinted style into a harder indie-rock tone in ‘False Prophets’. To me, Teddy Clarke’s music is more than merely a tune with some lyrics – it is about feeling with the instruments navigating your journey. The piano pulsates through the track like a heartbeat steadily pounding but flaring up to pumping proportions across the track. It opens with boldness, weaves into the instruments keeping our light shining, then ends off with a fierce strength ultimately owning the song.
To me, the piano is the core of Teddy Clarke’s sound; however, that is not to say the other elements are insignificant. ‘False Prophets’ includes powerful drums inserting a rock-inspired flair to the single. Yet, an indie-rock vibe can be felt but it is a combination of violin with piano that brings a classical feel to the fore. While an orchestral tinge flutters through, a heavier, rougher sound wraps around it with hip-hop-inspired vocals alongside the powerful drums. This is particularly intriguing as both classical and non-classical tones fuse in a sophisticated but raw cacophony of sound.
For more from Teddy Clarke, check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
