The Shop Window – Sad Eyes (2020)
Once upon a time in the 1990s, two English lads came together to form a dynamic indie-pop duo called Westpier. Fast-forward a few years, after a hiatus with each gent living on the opposite sides of the world, Carl Mann and Simon ‘Syd’ Oxlee formed The Shop Window with friends Martin Corder and Phil Elphee. After many years of experience in the music industry, the members of The Shop Window fuse their individual talents gaining a reputation for energetic melodies and engaging lyrics. The latest addition to their growing discography is the single ‘Sad Eyes’.
Following their critically acclaimed singles ‘Mannequin Lies’, ‘Reflection’ and ‘Evacuate’, ‘Sad Eyes’ is a fusion of indie-rock, pop-rock and twinges of 1980s synth-pop. The fourth single of 2020, this track showcases the importance of family. Written by Mann after visiting his grandmother, the upbeat, catchy single not only makes for a feel-good song but also illustrates The Shop Window’s depth and introspective.
“‘Sad Eyes’ was written after a visit to see my grandmother. She is a massive part of my life and is now 104 years old. She has always been there to save and guide me from before my own memories even began. The afternoon visit had such an impact that day that as soon as I started to drive home I knew I wanted to write down the last two hours I had spent with her. Naturally, I reached for a guitar as soon as I got home and this song happened without even thinking…” – Carl Mann on ‘Sad Eyes’
While the track may seem quite poignant and serious in content, it really is a joyful expression of life! The Shop Window’s stereotypical jangly-pop sound merges with a more rock guitar to form a contemporary rock sound. Yet, while indie-rock is their destination with ‘Sad Eyes’, it is Mann’s distinctive husky (for lack of a better word) vocals that enhance the ambient soundscape. Melodic, haunting and slightly nostalgic, ‘Sad Eyes’ is a sonic representation of all the happy memories and good things in families.
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